Councillor Hosein Rolls out Pandemic Initiatives– Calls on Gov’t to Step up Their Game

Councillor for the municipal district of Reform / Manahambre in a “Report on Stewardship Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic” has laid out a series of initiatives that he has undertaken and plans to roll out in the coming weeks in an effort to allay the distress of his burgesses. Speaking at the 9^th Statutory Meeting of the Princes Town Regional Corporation, the councilor gave the report and indicated that it would be made available to his burgesses and the wider public. In the report, Councillor Hosein listed the following which is happening or will soon be launched in his district:

• Over 600 food hampers delivered thus far and more are currently being distributed to those in need of food support. This exercise is ongoing.

• Over 100 Home kitchen Garden starter kits. have been distributed and more will be prepared and distributed in the coming weeks to assist burgesses on their journey to food security for themselves and their families.

• Over 2,000 masks delivered. More are currently being distributed out the office of Councillor Chris Hosein.

• Special Work Stations were established to assist persons to complete application forms for the various grants implemented by the Government. The office of the Councillor is constantly following up with same with the ministry of social development to provide an update on outstanding applications.
• Book Drive launched. Thus far, over 1000 books to be given to students in need.
• Virtual appointments have been introduced so burgesses can still meet with their Councillor to discuss issues and solutions to improve their communities. This is the latest addition to Councillor Chris’s digital platform of social media networks, 70-CHRIS Text hotline, website www.chrishosein.com among others.
• Assisting with the printing and distribution of school packages to students in need in the coming week under the directive of Hon. Kamla Persad Bissessar.
• Meeting with Corporate TT and civil society in the coming weeks to obtain laptops and tablets for those in need to ensure access to education.
• Distributed over 500 sanitizers and disinfectant to burgessess. This initiative would be expanded as we continue managing through the pandemic.
• Acquisition of hazmat suits and PPE for donation to health facilities on the outskirts of the district (as there are no medical centers within the district)

Speaking specifically to the issue of online learning, Councillor Hosein chided the Ministry of Education for the haphazard manner in which the online classes have been rolled out. “Prior to the beginning of the new school term when the announcement of online classes was made, my office has been inundated with calls, text and whatsapp messages and visits by very distressed parents who are pondering what will become of their children’s education as they simply cannot afford laptops or tablets so they can access online learning. I think it is totally irresponsible and thoughtless for the Government to make such a move while marginalizing our most vulnerable citizens and children who will now be at a disadvantage. When it comes to education specifically, no child must be left behind and the Government must now innovate to remedy this situation.”

Councillor Hosein stated that in his capacity as a Local Representative, he will be meeting with Corporate TT, civil society and Non- Governmental Organizations in an effort to procure devices for those in need in his district. “In the absence of sound policy and decisive action by the Government, we must now once more rely on the goodwill of our citizens to bring about relief” said Hosein.  He called on the Government to “step up their game” and innovate to find solutions to the problems facing T&T and make good on the mandate they were given at the August 10^th polls.