Infirmaries to be renamed

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says the Government will be changing the name of the island’s infirmaries, with the process to begin in eastern parishes.

McKenzie says the infirmaries will be renamed as adult residential care facilities.

He says the move is part of measures by the Government to introduce a modern human services management approach to poor relief.

He noted that already, Cabinet has approved amendments to the Poor Relief Act to abolish the Board of Supervision and transfer the functions of the Board to the Ministry of Local Government.

The Board of Supervision monitors and supervises infirmaries across the island.

The Minister said the Government is firmly committed to protecting the poor and vulnerable, and will not spare any expenses in uplifting the standards of those who depend on the State for assistance.

McKenzie was speaking at a recent town hall meeting in Portland.