Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones and Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade have expressed serious concerns about the controversial rollout of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s $100,000 Cash Grant to Newborns, which took place yesterday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. Mothers, some with very young infants, showed up at the venue to collect the grant money, sparking criticism from both figures who took to social media to voice their disapproval.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Jones was particularly vocal, lamenting the manner in which the PPP/C government chose to roll out the programme.
“One would have thought that PPP would have shown a bit more respect and appreciation for our women who recently went through the ordeal of birthing a child,” Jones said. But “then again, their modus operandi has never been about respect of people but purely creating a spectacle and degrading others.”
Jones further questioned the logic behind the event’s setup, pointing out that all hospitals and health centres receive records of babies born during the period eligible for the grant. He suggested that instead of forcing mothers to attend an event at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre the government could have easily verified birth certificates or clinic cards and sent cheques directly to communities, minimising the inconvenience for families.
Attorney Darren Wade also weighed in, questioning the government’s approach to what he deemed “politicking with the poor and vulnerable.” Wade argued that parading the mothers and children in front of cameras was an unnecessary spectacle, asserting that the entire process lacked basic decency.
“Why couldn’t they have just registered at the place of birth for the cash grant?” Wade asked, emphasising his belief that the rollout was nothing more than a political stunt. There is “no decency here! Shame! Shame!” he declared.
Wade also raised concerns about the government’s commitment to creating a just and equitable society, where every citizen, regardless of background, is treated fairly.
“How do we create a just and equitable society, where every creed and race believes they have an equal place?” he questioned, stressing the need for greater respect for citizens and their dignity.
The rollout of the $100,000 Cash Grant for Newborns, although designed to assist families with young children, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures who argue that the process appears more focused on political gain than on genuinely addressing the needs of the public.
