Govt opens second SEA social services centre

Barbados’ network of social support services expanded on Friday with the second Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) client centre now open and 11 more expected to follow across the island, in the government’s bid to bring “people‑centred” help closer to communities.

The client centre at Southern Plaza, Oistins, Christ Church, follows the opening of the first centre at Six Roads, St Philip. 

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde said: “ am thankful to all those who work to ensure that this building becomes a reality. We have about 11 more across the geographical space of this country, in terms of parishes. I suspect that three will be going in St Michael because of the congestion and the scope of work that we have to do down there.”

Forde described the amalgamation of services under the SEA as critical to ensuring that vulnerable individuals feel seen, heard and supported.

He said: “This government wants persons to be seen. I want persons to be able to hear you, because when they come here, the client champions at the front desk will be able to hear your concerns, hear your issues, and not only hear you but be able to action what we have heard. We must be able to feel your trouble and your pain. We must be able to feel the difficulties that you endure on a daily basis.”

He stressed that while infrastructure is important, the quality of service delivery must remain the priority.

“It is all right to have these beautiful buildings, but at the end of the day it all boils down to the delivery of service. The service must be on the same level as the facility.”

The minister also revealed that government is preparing to launch a new initiative aimed at improving accessibility across public buildings.

“We are on the cusp of rolling out a new project, the name I will be able to share with you after consultation with those persons who occupy the space. But it’s a project that, after the government do the audit on all government buildings, we will ensure that they become fully accessible for persons with disabilities.”

He added that several programmes are already in motion, including efforts to make Bridgetown more accessible, “the reimagination of that area”.

“The swimming programme we have, we are going to be having in partnership with an NGO to ensure that those persons with disabilities can use the ocean just like anybody else.”

Forde underscored the importance of empathy in delivering services to those in need.

“Persons who come here do not come because they want to—they come because of absolute necessity. We must be able to be empathetic and understand that we are serving persons in their time of need.”

Permanent Secretary Wayne Marshall also highlighted the central role of clients in the agency’s operations.

“Our clients are the critical stakeholders, and those clients are the ones that we view as most important. We want to pledge that the ministry will remain steadfast in its mission to serve the public with integrity, compassion and excellence.”

Member of Parliament for Christ Church South, Dr Shantal Munro‑Knight, reinforced the need for responsiveness, transparency and accountability in service delivery.

She noted that residents have already begun seeking assistance ahead of the centre’s opening.

“As I’ve started my clinics, people have already been coming, talking about the assistance that they need and asking questions about welfare. I was speaking to a young lady just last week and I assured her that this would be opening very soon, so I can tell you that there will be a number of clients already coming to you.”

She said the SEA represents a key step in improving service delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups.

“Transition is not easy. Often within the public we see these openings but don’t understand the journey it takes for us to get here, in order to make sure that we continue to show up for the people who need it the most,” she said.

“It is how you interface with people and how understanding and compassionate you are that will make sure people feel that they are seen and heard right here.”

The Social Empowerment Agency, established on  January 2, merges the former Child Care Board, Welfare Department, National Assistance Board, National Disabilities Unit, and the Resilience and Reintegration Unit. 

(RR)