CABINET has approved 32 Boards of Guardians across the 10 administrative regions for a period of one year, with effect from March 1, 2018 according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Harmon who was speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday, said the Boards of Guardian are responsible for reviewing requests for public assistance that are guided by the Poor Release Act which considers the social and economic circumstances of individuals requesting assistance.

He said this will also provide safety net programmes for persons receiving public assistance.

The local Boards of Guardians are responsible for evaluating and determining the legitimacy of the Public Assistance applications from outside of Georgetown, to ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are justifiably spent.

Board members are appointed by the Minister of Social Protection in accordance with the Pension Ordinances, Chapters 36:02 and 36:03 respectively. Members are selected from communities within the regions.

These Boards across the country will report to the Poor Law Commission, which also has responsibility for Public Assistance in Georgetown.

The Commission’s authority includes consideration, amendment, discontinuation and restoration of the relief granted by the local Boards of Guardians.

This is done based on reports presented by social services officers, who are required to investigate each claim in collaboration with relevant entities, such as the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in cases of medical conditions and disability.