The Minister of health told newly-elected local government representatives Monday that they must take some of the responsibility for protecting the nation from Dengue Fever.Therese Baptiste-Cornelis was addressing new councillors at a briefing session in San Fernando Monday. She told them there is no excuse for the corporation not to take part in the fight against dengue.
"Now there is no excuse for any corporation not to do their part. You have to go out there and identify the areas that need to be cleaned, organise for them to be cleaned, organise for the spraying.
"You have to go out there and do the work and ensure dengue doesn't take over this country."
Baptiste-Cornelis said her ministry is not the only authority with responsibility for protecting citizens from disease, noting that " it is every single one of you and if anybody dies in any single district it is also your fault."
She added, "You get the equipment, you recruit your staff. I hired 60 new staff today. No longer you will be calling me or the ministry to go and spray a different place. You will be organising your corporation to go spray".
There are three confirmed Dengue deaths so far and 600 suspected cases. the minister noted that there is no epidemic at this time but at the same time she urged councillors to be vigilant.
1 comment:
Until the Regional Corporations are properly constituted and convened, these agencies which are agents of the state are expected to carry on the day to day operations pertaining to local government.
Councillors are to make representation. That is all they are required to do at Council meetings. The implementation of things like aerial spraying and fogging of villages fall to the staff employed by the Corporations.
The honourable Minister appears to be misinterpreting the role of councillors and that of staff of the Corporations. Her public pronouncement could have the effect of those responsible now shunning their responsibilities.
The Minister of Health and the Minister of Local Government need to work together.
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