Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence today (April 18) installed nine members of the Local Board of Guardians appointed to review applications for Public Assistance in the upper and central Mazaruni areas, Region Seven.
The Minister told the members that Public Assistance is a temporary assistance in the form of cash that the Government grants to vulnerable persons to assist them in a difficult period. Hence, the State is depending on the Board members to objectively review the applications.
Public Assistance is granted to persons with permanent disability on an annual basis. However, persons who received Public Assistance because of their dire economic situation are subjected to reviews every six months.
The Minister insisted that criteria for successful reviews must include regular school attendance and vaccination for children receiving Public Assistance.
The Minister also noted that the board members are the Ministry’s ambassadors in the Region and urged that they execute their responsibilities with diligence.
