Comments on: Minister Scott: $36 Million Spent On Assistance

By: Agree

Agree — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 20:01:38 +0000

Some of the things you’ve listed are already in place Dejuan. Money doesn’t go to the person, they get grocery cards with funds deposited on them, they cannot travel. All in all anyone I’m financial assistance does not get money deposited to a personal account because of people that abides the system. It’s messed up because many people really do need the assistance but have to suffer for the ones who mess it up.

By: Brad

Brad — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 19:34:29 +0000

I couldn’t possibly AGREE more with you! Spot on!!

By: Next

Next — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 19:01:28 +0000

This is ridiculous. Stop having children if you can’t afford them and A LOT of single mothers don’t even bother to get child support from dead-beat fathers because they know they won’t pay. Why do single mothers have to keep chasing after them and getting behind the courts to do something? Isn’t that their job? They do nothing. Single mothers then have no choice but to ask for assistance. Government needs to do something about this and stop allowing fathers to get off easy and do something about these women popping out multiple kids when they can’t take care of the ones they already have.

By: Dejaun

Dejaun — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 18:50:50 +0000

I don’t know what the rules of financial assistance are but if not in place already these should be implemented:

Drug testing (Those using illegal drugs should not receive financial assistance)
No travelling while collecting financial assistance
Provide a financial assistance card linked to an individual as opposed to depositing the money in the individuals account. Make it so you cannot withdraw cash or have a limit set on cash withdrawal for the week/month. Have it so that this card cannot be used for online purchases (travel/shopping), or at specialist designer stores (Louis Vuitton etc), or for alcohol or cigarette purchases.

Before anyone says I am insensitive:

I like to get off the rock, I enjoy a drink or a few….

However, these are luxuries, not necessities.

At the end of the day, if I was laid off and needed to go on financial assistance I wouldn’t mind those restrictions in return for money to live on. I would certainly try to get a job and not dawdle because I would rather be able to travel and drink. As for those not abusing the system it wouldn’t make a difference once implemented.

I am not saying it would end the abuse but it should help to significantly reduce it.

By: Handbag Basher

Handbag Basher — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:52:27 +0000

this is all down to the previous government with its useless and self serving greedy individuals with their gimme gimme gimme anti expat attitude.
If this Island ever lets in the plp again,you can all kiss your fancy lifestyle,flash cars and boats goodbye.

By: Concerned

Concerned — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:25:18 +0000

A few is a minimal number – there are many because of who they know in the department

By: Concerned

Concerned — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:24:33 +0000

How many of the persons on Financial assistance are former employees of companies that have left our shores and businesses that have closed because of ‘the economic decline’ and how many children attending nursery are children of under 20 (father/mother) and unemployed

By: Wondering Why???

Wondering Why??? — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:18:24 +0000

While they’re at it, why don’t they investigate the abuse of the legal aid system? I know of parents (a relative of mine being one of them) whose kids get into trouble, but they claim they live someplace else so they can get legal aid. Yet when it comes time to sign bail, they will run down to the court with all sorts of documents to show they have assets to spring them out of jail. If you have assets to sign bail for your children, shouldn’t you also be required to pay their legal fees? Doesn’t government do any kind of cross-referencing on these matters?

By: Wondering Why???

Wondering Why??? — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:08:37 +0000

For starters, I strongly feel that single women that apply for assistance should have to use birth control before they are accepted. I know the OBA implemented budgeting and other life skills when seeking financial assistance. I certainly hope family planning is also part of the life skills program.
It boggles my mind when women that are already struggling with children continue to pop out more kids, often with multiple partners. Women already struggling to provide for what they have, yet they get pregnant time and time AGAIN. I understand it takes two to tango, but these women have to understand it is much easier for the guy to take off and leave you stuck. So why don’t they use their brains and insist on some form of birth control? Then when these guys don’t pink up, or they can’t find them, or they flee to England Joe Public has to support the kids!
There is one young woman I see daily walking with her 3 children, often screaming at the top of her lungs at the poor little souls. She is struggling as a single parent, and clearly frustrated- but I was shocked to see she is yet again with child!!! Why??? She can’t even take care of what she already has!!!
Before I get beat up on, let me strongly state that until something is done, we will continue to see generation upon generation of angry youngsters. These angry children become angry adults that go through life with a chip on their shoulder, thus contributing to the social ill Bermuda is now facing.

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:51:44 +0000

Hear hear,

By: Take it Easy!

Take it Easy! — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:48:48 +0000

This is why the Lamb Foggo clinic is closing down! If u want to eat and pay your bills thats the sacrifice! U pick?

By: watching

watching — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:22:40 +0000

And once they follow through on the likely SAGE commission recommendations, and cut more civil service jobs, there will be even more people in the line in need of financial aid.

By: swing voter

swing voter — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:19:44 +0000

36M and way outside of the budgeted amounts….how many of these ‘cases’ are thoroughly investigated to ensure those in need are truly in need. I know a few that are abusing the system.