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Social Affairs Workers Should Either Shape Up or Ship Out --- Minister De Weever.

cdeweever18012012Philipsburg:--- The Minister of Health, Labour and Social Affairs Cornelius De Weever did not mingle with words on Wednesday when he informed the Head of the Social Affairs Department Mark Schloss to either "shape up or ship out". Minister De Weever said he visited the department head on Wednesday morning during a surprise visit and made clear to the department head that he has had enough with how the department and its workers are performing their duties. "I am extremely disappointed with the department and the services they provide. I will not stop until the services are up to par. Furthermore, I will install a customer service and complaint officer at the department to ensure better service to the people of St. Maarten."
The Minister said over the past ten months his cabinet has been working diligently with the department to make sure they work more efficiently so that they can serve the population of St. Maarten in a professional manner. He said he invested the people's money to renovate the building and offices of Social Affairs while he gave directives to the department heads to assist the elderly and those that are mentally or physically challenged. However, it appears as though that the clients are still not getting the services they need and deserve. Therefore, several persons have stopped him while on the road and approached his office for assistance for themselves and or family members. Minister De Weever said his only advice now for those working at the Department of Social Welfare is to "shape up or ship out" since the people of St. Maarten deserve better. The people that paid into the system and those that are in need do not have to endure inefficiency and the lack of initiative on the part of the department. The Health and Labour Minister said his cabinet has been going the extra mile to assist those that are in need simply because those working at the department are not providing the much needed services to the people of St. Maarten. He said he personally asked the department head to assist everyone that approaches them for assistance the same way they would assist the members of their families or their friends.
Minister de Weever also called on all persons that are receiving Social Welfare and are in possession of the Government Medical Cards to ensure that their documents are up to date. He said the cards are for a period of one year and renewals should be submitted in timely manner.
The Health and Social Affairs Minister said that several persons confronted him and accused him of taking them off the Social Aid list. He said recipients should also make themselves aware of the laws and how the system works. Minister De Weever explained that persons who requested social aid normally has to fill in a form at the Department of Social Affairs and after perusal from the department an advice is sent to him which is what he follows when making decisions. However, persons who received a negative advice do have the option to appeal the decision which is dealt with by the Appeals Committee.
Minister De Weever explained the objective of the system is to make sure that political games are not being played with the people and social assistance is granted to the persons that need it most.
The Minister said last week Friday one of his cabinet members had to go over to the office of SZV to obtain a letter of guarantee for an elderly. He said that if the civil servants do their jobs then these things would not reach his cabinet.
He said he provided the necessary trainings to the civil servants and he was clear with his directives.

General Secretary to Submit Report on Investigation.

Minister De Weever also explained that the department of Labour and Social Affairs is under investigation and he is expecting a report as soon as Thursday noon on the Pelican dismissal request which was submitted since April 2011.
In the meantime, the Tenants Association of Pelican Resort Club has submitted a request to dismiss the 183 workers of the former Pelican Resort. Minister De Weever said he is also expecting an update on the Pelican labour dispute on Thursday.

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