GREY GROUND, Manchester — Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie said that training is on the list of improvements planned for workers in the poor relief system.

He mentioned the plans in Manchester on Thursday, noting that he will soon be addressing them in-depth in Parliament and underscoring that protection for those in need is an important responsibility that the Government has to fulfill and it should be done well.

McKenzie was speaking at the Grey Ground-based Manchester Infirmary, where ground was broken for the construction of a female ward at a cost of $40 million and with a 6-8 months timeline for completion.

“None of who reside in this facility had bargained to be here. Therefore, we must show the kind of love and compassion that is required in treating these people that we have under our care and protection,” he said.

“We’re going to be doing everything to ensure that the workers who work in these facilities are trained. We’re going to be announcing a whole slew of new arrangements as it relates to training for workers because we have to rely on these workers to provide the necessary support,” he continued.

The Minister said that many people who reside in the infirmaries across the island were hardworking Jamaicans who paid taxes and helped to create the foundation for developments in the country before failling on hard times.

The uncertainties of life which can force once productive citizens to require the support of the State, was a point also highlighted by Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell.

The Manchester Infirmary currently houses 81 residents — 44 males and 37 females.

Matron Nedene Collins-White told the Jamaica Observer that the women are housed in a temporary area as the previous facility they occupied had to be demolished because of its poor condition.

The Local Government Minister promised a more modern facility.

“We’re not only going to build a new ward; we’re going to be including the energy-saving component, water harvesting, solar water heating system, and all that is necessary that is going to minimise the cost of electricity. We’re not only just building out this ward, we’re going to be installing a brand new generator that will run this entire facility, so when JPS (Jamaica Public Service) chip out or when there is a system where the light has to be turned off, the facility will no longer be in darkness,” he said.

McKenzie said that the sum for the female ward project is part of $200 million donated by the National Housing Trust to help to improve infirmaries across the country.

Adjacent the Manchester Infirmary is the privately operated Ebenezer Home which, for close to two decades, has taken on the task of rehabilitating and reintegrating mentally challenged men in the parish.

McKenzie said that when he makes his announcements in Parliament he will also include how the Government can help similar facilities.

He also used the opportunity Thursday to laud recognise the Manchester Municipal Corporation for efficiency in the construction of an administrative block at the infirmary in 2017.