MP Samuel calls on Ministry VSA to publish criteria for help from government
GREAT BAY — Member of Parliament, Rodolphe Samuel, in a press release issued on Tuesday, November 28th, called on the Minister of VSA (Health, Social Welfare and Labor), Minister Emile Lee, to publish in the papers and elsewhere the criteria for people to obtain help from the Government.
“Nearly three months after the passing of hurricane Irma, the people of St Maarten are still grappling to get their lives back in order.” Samuel writes in his press release.
“One of the main things that has to happen without further delay is the repairing of the roofs and especially those of our seniors citizens.” the Member of Parliament points out.
Samuel reports that government on a bi-weekly basis is also providing food vouchers to the value of NAfls.150 to those in need to facilitate the purchase of food products. The MP claims that many persons have been to the government building in order to report that they are in need of such help, and how to receive the help they are looking for.
“There are many out there in the community who do not know how to apply for help from the government or who to talk to or where to go.” Samuel explains. The MP further goes on to state that persons are questioning if they qualify or not for aid, meaning that they want to know what the criteria are to which someone would have to comply.
“I am calling on the Minister of VSA-Social Welfare and Labor, Minister Emile Lee, to publish in the papers and otherwise the criteria to obtain help from the Government.” writes Samuel. “In the interest of transparency, the Minister of VSA needs to publish how many homes have qualified for government assistance to be repaired. This is government money. It’s important for persons who are given information to know whether or not their home will be repaired by Government or if they have to do so themselves.”
“It’s better to know now than to be waiting for no reason and in vain.” the Member of Parliament for the National Alliance (NA), Rodolphe Samuel, concludes in his press release.
