Minister: No discrimination in uniform distribution
--- 10,000 to benefit from $34M programme
Guyana Chronicle
September 3, 2003
MINISTER within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Bibi Shadick has expressed her disappointment with members of the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) claiming that there was discrimination in the uniform distribution process.
Minister Shadick, in a letter to the opposition party's General Secretary, Mr. Oscar Clarke, stated that she was satisfied with the way the process, which is soon to be completed, is being carried out.
She refuted the statements made by Mr. Clarke, in a letter to her, that persons were given uniforms on the basis of their political affiliation.
"The criteria which this Ministry uses in the distribution of funds to persons in difficult circumstances, have never included the political affiliation of the recipients," the Minister said in her letter.
"The persons who benefit are, pure and simple, those who are in need," she continued.
The Minister further stated that she was amused at the PNC/R's comments about 'lack of equity' as she receives 'calls and letters everyday from Government supporters accusing her Ministry of favouring the Opposition's supporters'.
The Minister strongly contended that uniform vouchers were distributed in Buxton and other areas and she wants to remind the recipients that she needs the list with their signatures for the Ministry's records. She further reiterated that even though vouchers were distributed in the Buxton area, some persons were still calling the Ministry stating that they received none and she is certain that this is not true.
Cabinet has approved $34M for assistance to the parents of needy school children and approximately 10,000 children will benefit from the programme by the end of the year. (Guyana Information News Agency)