Gov’t “Disappointed” with Raise Your Voice Statement on Special Needs Aid, Calls the NGO “Irresponsible”

Senior Communications Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister [OPM], Nicole McDonald has vehemently denied suggestions by Non-Governmental Organization Raise Your Voice Inc [RYV] that the Assessment of Special Needs Children has been terminated.

The Assessment of Special Needs Children program has been discontinued and not terminated.

On August 2, RYV issued a public statement calling out the Allen Chastanet led Administration and, demanding the ‘reinstatement’ of the Assessment of Special Needs Children program.

“We understand the program for the Assessment of Special Needs Children has been terminated and/or discontinued by the Ministry of Health & Wellness… reinstate this program, for the benefit of poor struggling mothers at the earliest.The termination of this program further marginalizes special needs children, specifically those whose parents are poor, underprivileged, unemployed, underemployed, rural and struggling.”

The OPM Senior Communications Officer struck down the RYV missive as “fake” information.
The government annually allocates just over EC $2million dollars for Special Education. [Watch video]

Dr. Jacquline Byrd was the primary agent contracted by the state to run the Assessment of Special Needs Children program. The current Administration has not renewed Dr. Byrd’s contract.

OPM has assured continued interest in the program despite Dr. Byrd’s withdrawal and has indicated plans to expand the existing special needs project.