Government has been providing more financial backing to civil society organisations that assist vulnerable groups, including the homeless.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment Jehu Wiltshire made that point while recalling that his ministry increased subventions to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) by 21 per cent, this financial year.
He said they were hoping to provide more.
“We have increased the subvention to NGOs like the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness that work with the homeless to provide social relief. It was a substantial increase and we will be approaching the Ministry of Finance, as we prepare next year’s estimates, for a further increase because we recognise the government cannot do it all on its own and we want to deepen our collaboration with the NGOs that work in this space,” Wiltshire said.
He made those comments to the DAILY NATION
yesterday after a service at Calvary Moravian Church, Roebuck Street, where the National Task Force on Homelessness commemorated World Homeless Day.
Since the task force was launched he said they have made significant strides and would continue its part in assessing and improving the lives of vulnerable people.
“We have engaged the University of the West Indies to undertake a situational analysis and a draft, in collaboration with various stakeholders for the national policy on homelessness and a strategic action plan.
“The first draft of the policy has been completed and we expect that will be ready to go to cabinet within a month or so when we will put it out there for public consultation,” he said.
In addition, he said, the amalgamation of the National Disabilities Unit, Child Care Board, Welfare Unit and National Assistance Board was at an advanced stage.
“We will shortly enter further discussions with the unions. We are still on track to have that amalgamated entity in place later this year.
“One section of that entity will be devoted to working with NGOs to create partnerships to help assist the government, in meeting the needs of the vulnerable,” he added.
(TG)
