Source- Real News Antigua: The Ministry of Social Transformation might be displaced soon, as the building in which it is located is up for sale, by auction, and observers say the Browne Administration is to be blamed.
The former Home & Office Depot on Old Parham Road is due to be auctioned on the morning of March 11.
Sources allege to REAL News that the Government has not been paying rent for its occupancy, and its failure to do so has adversely affected the owners’ ability to keep up with mortgage.
Government sources, meanwhile, have said this is true, adding that this state of affairs might account for the less-than-desirable work conditions, there.
They say that Social Transformation employees are not able to put in a full day’s work because of the heat in their quarters, the lack of drinking water, and other shortcomings.
However, they say the situation is not surprising “if Government not paying the people for their place.”
Others say the location was never suitable for some of the services the Department offers, as conflicting interests are expected to be served at the same place.
For example, they say, both the Directorate of Gender Affairs and the Police Force’s Sexual Offences Unit are operating there, and these agencies are not afforded enough privacy in the situations they
handle.
The most glaring example of this, sources say, is the processing of offenders on the same premises where victims are to be counseled.
Where the Department will be relocated – should next month’s auction be successful – is anyone’s guess, they say, as other government departments, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the General Post Office, are also waiting for new quarters.
Meanwhile, observers note that Social Transformation falls under the ambit of Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph and Senator Samantha Marshall, who, they state, “have failed once again.”
The observers allege that Social Transformation had been moved from the John Henry Building on Popeshead Street – also for non- payment of rent and after facing eviction.
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More ABLP chaos. This is now a weekly occurrence!
WHATEVER NEXT?
MAYBE A TAX ON WALKING!!! 🚶🏾♂️🚶🏾♀️🚶🏿👨🏾🦯👩🏿🦯
BUT IT’S A GUARANTEED THAT THERE’LL BE SOMETHING ELSE …
Time will tell
This is how things go with this government . Just bankrupt Antiguans so they can’t prosper in this country.
Perhaps the Department can help cover it’s own rent by hosting fundraisers such as wholesome community events, community classes in useful skills, running a volunteer community garden that sells produce etc. from time to time. Such activities will give village youth good things to do with their time and help to PREVENT social problems before they occur.
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