Kirk Humphrey dismisses social media accusations as Welfare Department delivers aid of over $1 million

Barbados’ Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, has officially denied allegations, making the rounds on social media recently, about the Welfare Department not being accountable for its duties.

Videoclips on social media claims that the Welfare Department has been unresponsive to the needs of people. Humphrey has since disputed these claims, stating that the department has been active, having spent over $1 million in support for back-to-school for difficult families this year.

During his talk at the National Well-being & HIV Commission Man Aware event, Humphrey highlighted some of the proactive steps taken by the Welfare Department. He said that existing clients, or those who often approach for help are exempted from the lengthy process of interview, to access the aid.

“Instead of making them do the interviews to know what the situations are, we give them a green light,” said Humphrey, adding that regular welfare recipients are indulged with the attitude of quick action during heavy periods such as the back-to-school season.

The back-to-school assistance program was a huge success, supporting families as they supplied the children with back-to-school requirements and availed every necessary resource at the beginning of the new school term.

Humphrey stated that department efforts clearly show the determination to help people on more needy situations, contrary to what was being spread on social media.

While Humphrey admitted that there was always room for improvement, he emphasized the fact that the performance of the Welfare Department under trying conditions is simply outstanding. He said the whole process adopted by the department has streamlined in such a way that help reaches those who truly need it the soonest.

Further, new strides are taken in order to improve the departments efficiency so that in the near future, assistance will find its way to the citizens even quicker.

The minister spoke during Man Aware, also known as Free Haircuts, at the Church of God in Chelsea Road, St Michael. This kind of community initiative seeks to improve the well-being of men in the community.

Free haircuts were offered to local residents as part of the ministry’s outreach to the wider community and in other ways that supplement the traditional welfare system.

Despite the opposition to the claims made against the Welfare Department, Humphrey maintained that the government of Barbados would continue to support its people in trying times.

The Minister’s words have seen to it that the department still cares for the vulnerable members of society and also that no person is left behind in this time of social and economic struggle in Barbados.