The investigation ordered by former Minister of Health, Dr Don Blackman into charges of “corruption and irregularities” at the Black Rock Hostel, has recommended the dismissal of some persons employed there.
This was revealed yesterday morning by Minister of Social Services, Mr. DeLisle Bradshaw, while on a tour of that institution as well as the Golden Rock Home in the Pine.
Bradshaw revealed that the probe, headed by chairman of the National Assistance Board, Mr. Ralph Walker, had made some 15 recommendations, including dismissing and relieving some persons of their duties. The minister gave no names.
He said: “Some relate to the dismissal and relieving of persons here at the hostel, a proper security guard system, overall discipline and a proper roster.”
The minister, however, added: “I feel that the recommendations can and ought to be handled by the board and not the minister.
“These are things that the National Assistance Board must address itself to.”
Asked whether or not the recommendations of dismissal of some employees corroborated corruption charges, Bradshaw said it was recognised that all was not well at the institution but he said there was no evidence to suggest that the corruption referenced to criminal charges such as stealing.
He continued: “There is a definite need for the establishment of clear policies to guide this hostel. People are brought here sometimes after police reports. When people come here they should be admitted with the clear understanding that their stay was temporary and they had a deadline. This should be a transitional sort of accommodation. Right now, there are cases here that would be better taken care of at the Salvation Army or one of the district hospitals.”
Concerning charges that pensions for some persons accommodated at the hostel were being drawn, but not turned over, the minister said there was a clear case in which one of the pensioners had a bank account of just under $2 000, while another had her grandson drawing her pension. But both cases were still complaining about not receiving the money, he said.
Bradshaw admitted that some of the residents of the hostel were “disgruntled with the sister in charge” but added that rules were made to be obeyed.
He added: “Let me state now though, that there must be some degree of humanity in dealing with all the residents.”
He said, too, that he was looking forward to better relations between the staff, administration and the residents.
