By Gemma Handy
Scores of Ministry of Social Transformation staff have been forced to work from home for more than a month after being ordered to move out of their Old Parham Road premises.
Insiders told Observer that government’s apparent failure to pay rent for the privately owned building – previously occupied by more than 100 ministry staff – caused some departments to be evicted by the property’s owner.
Other departments have been moved due to dire conditions, including a lack of air-conditioning which made some areas suffocatingly hot.
The situation has greatly hindered the public’s access to vital services – including free counselling sessions for troubled youngsters – workers say.
And with departments including Youth Affairs and Family and Social Services affected, many are concerned about the impact on young people as the country grapples with rising youth crime.
“Productivity was already low prior to the displacement,” one fed-up employee told Observer. “It’s now plunged even further with workers at home, still getting paid.”
The ministry had occupied the first and second floors of the three-storey property for around two years.
Prior to that, some employees had worked from home for around a year after being forced to move from their previous St John’s premises, apparently also for non-payment of rent.
One official speaking on condition of anonymity said the ministry was due to move into new premises in two weeks.
Senator Samantha Marshall – who has responsibility for social transformation – was approached for comment. While she declined to remark on the alleged non-payment of rent, she told Observer she had requested a relocation from the building as long ago as last year due to inadequate working conditions.
Observer also invited the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Works, and Minister of Social Transformation Sir Molwyn Joseph to respond. Comments were not forthcoming up to news time.
