By Sue-Ann Wayow
APPROXIMATELY $9million have been spent to assist some 3,000 families in Tobago since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
This information was revealed by Secretary of the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine on Thursday.
Speaking at the Division’s virtual press conference, Davidson-Celestine said the main issue was ensuring that people had food and a roof over their heads.
Referring to the Auditor’s General report that listed several discrepancies in the distribution of Covid-19 relief, Davidson- Celestine said, “ We had to find a way based on the overwhelming situation to deal with the needs of the people.”
She said systems were designed to “meet people where they are.”
Davidson-Celestine who gave a further breakdown of how vouchers and monies were spent, said, “My role in the Division is to ensure that we have policies set and those policies are there to meet the people.”
Referring to councillor for Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside Farley Augustine, Davidson-Celestine said she got involved in assisting with the distribution of vouchers because of the urgent plea from a member of the public which showed lack of assistance from the assemblyman.
She said she was informed that persons had lost their jobs and other were in need of food and she acted urgently.
“What was the assemblyman doing at that point in time?” she asked.
Davidson-Celestine added that in further investigation, Augustine has submitted only 15 claims for vouchers from his electoral district.
