The plight of the poverty-stricken Hablal family, which was featured in the Sunday Guardian last week, got the attention of Minister of Social Development and Family Services Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn who has intervened to ensure they receive assistance through her ministry.
The minister was moved to take action after reading about brothers Aaron and Mark Hablal who have been studying under a dim street light in Flanagin Town because there is no electricity in the family’s dilapidated home. Crichlow-Cockburn commended Aaron, 11, a Standard Four pupil of Flanagin RC and his 14-year-old brother Mark, a student of Asja Boys’ College, “for not giving into their circumstances but choosing instead to rise above their adversity to ensure that they get an education.”
Immediately after reading the story which was published on December 6, the minister instructed Asauph Ghany, manager of the ministry’s People’s Unit, to visit the family, assess their situation and provide the needed assistance.
Crichlow-Cockburn said the ministry’s prompt response and provision of immediate relief and advice on available services and grants was their new way of operating.
“We recognise that in order to achieve our mandate of eradicating poverty and improving social justice we must educate the public on the ministry’s products and services. This family’s situation as detailed in your article could have been avoided or alleviated before it reached crisis proportions if they had been aware of the benefits for which they were eligible,” Crichlow-Cockburn told the Sunday Guardian.
Ghany visited the family’s dilapidated home at Grass Trace on Tuesday and spoke with the boys’ parents, Winston and Harriet Hablal, who told him they were hard-pressed for cash and faced a daily upward battle to put food on the table. The ministry provided the Hablals with a $700 temporary food card.
“The ministry will also assist the family with the electrical wiring in the house, after the National Commission for Self Help (NCSH) completes repairs, if their documents are in order so the boys can study in the comfort of their home,” Ghany said.
Winston, 48, who was deemed medically unfit after he suffered multiple injuries in a vehicular accident eight years ago, will be assessed for a disability grant.
Several citizens and businesses have also responded to the Hablals’ plight and have offered to help with food and household items, as well as provide financial assistance.
NCSH CEO Amy Harripaul said an official of that agency visited the family to view the condition of their home which has been caving in. She said by tomorrow “we should have a concrete decision” on what assistance will be provided.
Crichlow-Cockburn promised that her ministry would continue to assist the family to ensure that they lived comfortably.
The Hablals said they were thankful for the outpouring of love and support.
“Words cannot explain how grateful we are for the assistance. We also want to thank the Sunday Guardian for highlighting our hardships. Without you all this would not have been possible. At least we will be able to enjoy this Christmas,” Harriet said.