CARE Programme Debacle A Sad State Of Affairs
May 1, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |
The distressing news that cash grants for the needy not collected to the tune of $300 million is cause for much concern. Covid public assistance flop. How could this be happening? This is true. We are stunned at this development.
300 million dollars not collected by qualified recipients, 12,000 Jamaicans. Go to Lasco Money Services. Best cash and Compassionate cash are the funds yet to be collected.
Compassionate Grants in particular seems to be the area where the large amount is not collected. Seniors and the needy left out if pocket. Beneficiaries are asked to call toll free number 8884932273 or go to the We Care website.
15 billion disbursed so far. Deadline is May 4, 2021 and if uncollected will be returned to Government coffers.
Commentary
Is the process too complicated, so the ordinary citizen cannot bother to jump through the hoops to collect $10, 000 Jamaican dollars? Whatever the reason is this CARE programme will be far from being considered successful if needy Jamaicans cannot access their grants. It is akin to a confidence trick. Is it? We have no evidence, but are baffled. We take no prisoners.
It is sad that things have turned out this way.
$300 Million Uncollected
We are not amused Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke. Your apparent lofty ideas are not matched by the results of the CARE programme. What a sad commentary! $300 million dollars uncollected is in any language or currency can buy a lot of cornmeal for very needy Jamaican children and seniors.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who has a keen interest in probity and sound management of public affairs. He also has International exposure.
