Sources blame Browne Administration’s failure to pay rent for auction of building that houses Social Transformation
The Ministry of Social Transformation might be displaced soon, as
the building in which it is located is up for sale, by auction, and
observers say the Browne Administration is to be blamed.
The former Home & Office Depot on Old Parham Road is due to be
auctioned on the morning of March 11.
Sources allege to REAL News that the Government has not been
paying rent for its occupancy, and its failure to do so has adversely
affected the owners’ ability to keep up with mortgage.
Government sources, meanwhile, have said this is true, adding that
this state of affairs might account for the less-than-desirable work
conditions, there.
They say that Social Transformation employees are not able to put
in a full day’s work because of the heat in their quarters, the lack of
drinking water, and other shortcomings.
However, they say the situation is not surprising “if Government not
paying the people for their place.”
Others say the location was never suitable for some of the services
the Department offers, as conflicting interests are expected to be
served at the same place.
For example, they say, both the Directorate of Gender Affairs and the
Police Force’s Sexual Offences Unit are operating there, and these
agencies are not afforded enough privacy in the situations they
handle.
The most glaring example of this, sources say, is the processing of
offenders on the same premises where victims are to be counseled.
Where the Department will be relocated – should next month’s
auction be successful – is anyone’s guess, they say, as other
government departments, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and
the General Post Office, are also waiting for new quarters.
Meanwhile, observers note that Social Transformation falls under
the ambit of Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph and Senator
Samantha Marshall, who, they state, “have failed once again.”
The observers allege that Social Transformation had been moved
from the John Henry Building on Popeshead Street – also for non-
payment of rent and after facing eviction.
