Following a report of a recent fire, by Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South, Keith Scotland, as well as Councillor for St Ann’s River South, Jenneil Frederick; the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services has responded by stepping in to provide much needed assistance to the affected family.
Mr Ray Roger Moore’s home at #97 Concession Road Sea Lots was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday 17th October 2020. Mr Fortune lived there with his common-law wife and five children. Mere hours after the fire, officers attached to the Ministry’s National Social Development Programme (NSDP) were onsite to immediately conduct assessments for disaster relief grants offered at the Ministry.
Earlier today, Monday 19th October, 2020, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox met with Fortune at the Ministry’s Head Office where he was presented with two food cards and a wheelchair for his son Roger, who has cerebral palsy.
The family is currently in receipt of Disability Assistance and Public Assistance Grants from the Ministry. All members of the family have also been assessed by an Officer of the Ministry’s National Family Services Division for counselling and psychosocial support. The Ministry will also liaise with other government agencies where further assistance can be provided to help restore the family to some level of normalcy.
Mr Fortune indicated that he was grateful for all the support provided to date, especially the wheelchair, as it will assist him in easily transporting his son, since his vehicle was also destroyed in the fire.
Minister Cox indicated that the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services will continue to provide assistance, as necessary, to Mr Fortune and all other families that are now being distressed due to natural and other man-made disasters. She also indicated that the Ministry remains committed to providing a responsive social services delivery system.
COMMENTS