July 21, 2016: On Wednesday June 15, 2016, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services partnered with the Tobago House of Assembly’s Division of Health and Social Services to host the second edition of Social Dialogues. The event took place at the Gulf City Mall, Lowlands from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
‘Social Dialogues’ is a series of four (4) public consultations intended to garner input from the national population to develop a National Social Mitigation Plan, to cushion the effects of the economic downturn on the vulnerable of our society. Under the Theme: “Towards a National Social Mitigation Plan – Building Resilience to Secure our Nation”, the Ministry is bringing together key stakeholder groups, inclusive of public and private sector organizations within the social sector, to consult and contribute towards the Mitigation Plan.
Speaking at the dialogue on Wednesday, Assemblyman Claudia Groome-Duke, Secretary of the Division of Health and Social Services, THA, endorsed the initiative and expressed that the Division will commit to assisting with the development of this very important mitigation plan. Groome-Duke expressed that her Division is also at the forefront of efforts aimed to provide a safety net to Tobagonians adversely affected by the economic challenges now being faced worldwide. She provided an insight into some of the health and social programmes and services which are now being administered and re-engineered by the Division for the vulnerable and marginalized. The Secretary also indicated that more attention will be placed on persons with disabilities in Tobago.
Speaking during an address on behalf of the Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Permanent Secretary, Jacinta Bailey-Sobers told those present that the National Social Mitigation Plan will seek , among other things, to strengthen the existing social protection system, to enhance competitiveness through productivity and innovation and promote community and civil society action towards building resilience in the population. PS Sobers expressed how pleased the Ministry was to be collaborating with the THA, the Ministry of Labour and Micro Enterprise Development, and other key stakeholders to develop the plan.
Also present from the THA Division was Administrator, Karen Ottley who brought welcome remarks. The Plan is expected to be completed within a month’s time and submitted for approval. The next two Dialogues will take place on June 21st at Naparima College, San Fernando and on June 23rd, at Signature Hall, Longdenville, Chaguanas, both starting at 5:00 pm. Members of the public are encouraged to be part of the Social Dialogues series.
Secretary of the Division of Health and Social Services, Assemblyman Claudia Groome-Duke,THA, speaking at the Tobago leg of the dialogue expresses that the Division will commit to assisting with the development of the mitigation plan.
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For further information please contact:
The Corporate Communications Department
Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
868-623-2608 Ext. 5405