This was the gist of Social Services Minister, Melanie Griffin, on Monday night.
“Indeed,” declared the Minister, “there are certain individuals who have been milking the system for as long as 15 years and they are neither senior citizens nor physically or mentally challenged!”
Minister Griffin continued: “I wish to put welfare recipients on notice that our focus is now on empowering you to provide adequately for yourselves and your families. More accountability will be required of you but, at the same time, more opportunities will be provided to help you break the cycle of dependency,” she said.
Minister Griffin, who also has responsibility for Community Development, was addressing the nation on the existing state of the Department of Social Services, one year after the government took office on May 2, 2002.
It is the Minister’s view that the joint programme between Social Services and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) that provides opportunities for individuals to learn a trade is under -subscribed. More men and women need to avail themselves of the opportunity to acquire skills that can lead to independence through gainful employment.
According to Mrs. Griffin, there is an overwhelming demand for welfare assistance – a clear indication that many people are scarcely surviving. In addition many of our children are falling prey to abuse of all kinds and a high percentage of our elderly folk are struggling with little or no support from relatives.
The Ministry of Social Services is charged with improving the plight of the poor and the quality of life for individuals and families in distress. It provides a variety of assistance programmes, many of which were created during the period regarded as the “social revolution” of the 1970’s.
“I have found that services for children with disabilities are extremely limited. Children and their parents expect to receive help from the government, which is quite reasonable. I am pleased that my Ministry is vigorously addressing these social issues and we are satisfied that we have raised public awareness to a considerable degree.
In conclusion Minister Griffin explained that Social Services was not about creating a welfare state, but rather its mission was concerned with the provision of emergency and temporary assistance to persons in distress in order to equip them with the skills required to survive life in the 21st century with a minimum of stress.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
