SOURCE: DAILY OBSERVER: Fed-up Ministry of Social Transformation staff forced to work from home for more than a month after being made to move out of their previous offices could soon have new premises.
Work is underway sprucing up a building in Friendly Alley in the heart of St John’s to accommodate several of the ministry’s departments.
Social transformation falls within one of the government’s largest ministries, offering a range of crucial services from counselling sessions for troubled youth to supporting victims of sexual violence.
But government’s alleged failure to pay the rent on its former base in Old Parham Road – coupled with deteriorating infrastructure – saw more than 100 staff displaced several weeks ago, hindering public access to these social lifelines.
Junior Social Transformation Minister Samantha Marshall previously told Observer she had requested a relocation from the old premises last year due to inadequate working conditions including a lack of air-conditioning.
Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph says the workers are expected to move into the refurbished building by the end of next week.
An informal visit to the new offices yesterday revealed work has begun repainting the interior, ahead of installing new AC units, replacing the kitchen and bathrooms, and putting in new furniture.
There is still some way to go with some areas yet to be retiled and all rooms currently empty. Minister Joseph’s timeline may prove to be somewhat ambitious but employees say they’re keen to get back to work and resume the vital services they provide to the public.
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