PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Mr. Trevor Thomas has stressed that “consensus” among members of the Local Board of Guardians is a critical element in determining and examining old age and public assistance applications.

He made this statement, yesterday, at the Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands) regional office’s boardroom during an inaugural meeting of the members of the Local Board of Guardians of the region.

At the meeting five boards were inaugurated, namely, Wakenaam; Leguan; Upper West Coast Demerara-Vreed-en-Hoop/ Stewartville; Lower West Coast Demerara-Uitvlugt/ Parika; and Pouderoyen/ West Bank Demerara.

Among those gathered for the meeting were Regional Chairman, Mr. Julius Faerber; Vice Chairman, Mr. Manpersaud; Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Labour Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Geetangeli Geer; Chief Probation Officer, Pat Gray; Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Mr. Dindial Singh; and members of the local boards.

Addressing the gathering, Thomas stated that consensus must be a watchword so that at the end of the day all members would be satisfied that the process was above the board.

The Permanent Secretary said, “Local Board of Guardians have a very important function to discharge, because they must ensure that taxpayers money is justifiably spent to help the aged, infirm, sick, destitute and other vulnerable persons in society.”

He added that all members of the local boards must perform their duties free of fear and favour and cautioned against prejudice of race, creed or class.

Thomas emphasised that affiliation must never become a consideration and urged that each case be dealt with according to its merits.

He also congratulated the members and pointed out that their tasks were difficult.

The Regional Chairman reiterated this and added that every case must be dealt with on merits and adequate amount of transparency must be the hallmark.