In a powerful address on Talk City 91.1 FM, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, revisited the controversial closure of the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP). Minister Ameen revealed a troubling network of corruption where ghost employees were allegedly siphoning off massive sums of taxpayer money, with some individuals collecting as much as $50,000 every fortnight. Ameen openly criticized the People’s National Movement (PNM) for nepotism in handling contracts related to these programs. Her remarks come in light of a renewed focus on government accountability and integrity in providing public services. Ameen stated, ‘These people are feeding the criminal elements. That money is not going to single mothers or the unemployed.’ As the government undertakes measures to cut corruption and streamlining programs, Minister Ameen’s revelations have sparked crucial conversations about employment practices and financial ethics within public programs.
- News Desk