PNP calls for the immediate release of poverty intervention fund
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition spokesman on labour and social security, Dr Fenton Ferguson, is calling on the Government to immediately release the first tranche of the short-term poverty intervention fund to assist small farmers, micro businesses, shut-ins, and the disabled, affected by recent flood rains.
Dr Ferguson, who is the Member of Parliament for flood-ravaged Eastern St Thomas, said he is making the appeal against the background of the devastation witnessed in that parish and the hardship being experienced by farmers throughout the area.“I am making this call against the background of the extreme weather that has impacted my parish and the country since March, which in some communities and constituencies amounted to three rounds of flooding back-to-back before mitigating works were initiated. The government must, therefore, respond to the plight of the small farmers, small businesses, and the disabled and senior citizens,” the member of Parliament said.The Opposition spokesman explained that the release of the first tranche of the poverty intervention fund is critical at this time and that it is important that there is openness, transparency and fairness in the allocation when granted.