Govt to probe child living with official

Young gave the confirmation in the Senate without naming the official or referring to the specific allegation. He said a report is currently before Cabinet regarding the establishment of an investigations committee to look into this matter.

The minister said the authority has been “alerted to the fact that an investigation is going to be conducted into this area.” Against this background, he said, “One would be very surprised if in light of that anybody goes and repeats what may or may not have happened.” The minister said there is no information about similar instances taking place at this time.

To ensure the authority follows proper procedures and protocols, Young said, “The authority is governed by all the existing laws which aim to ensure the accountability of State agencies.” He said the authority’s board of directors has a document which outlines its relationship with the Gender and Child Affairs Division of the OPM.

That document requires the authority to provide the OPM with monthly reports on the authority’s financial disbursements, the roster of the names of children and their ages who qualify for monthly upkeep, and financial contributions received from external bodies or institutions, he said.

Earlier in the sitting, Social Development Minister Cherrie- Ann Crichlow-Cockburn outlined efforts by her ministry to assist families in Claxton Bay and Malick who lost their homes through fire.

She also said a draft national parenting policy will be released in May and will be implemented in fiscal 2017.