Distribution of COVID-19 aid parcels on hold

The distribution of individual COVID-19 aid parcels has been put on hold for a second time in the districts Paramaribo and Wanica by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (Sozavo). The main reason for this is because the applicants did not stick to the COVID-19 precautionary measures. The people who flocked to the distribution centers did not stick to the physical distancing rule and they also ignored the instructions that were given to them. The ministry started distributing food parcels on June 15 but that same night the minister of Social Affairs put the project on hold because the situation was chaotic at various distribution centers in Paramaribo. On the first day of the distributions people stood in line until 10 p.m. in Paramaribo. Angelo Salmo, director at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, announced that the individual distribution of food parcels has been put on hold until July 6. People who did not get a parcel last week and who were scheduled to get it this week will have to wait longer this time. Director Salmo on Monday announced that about 18,000 food parcels were handed out by the ministry from June 9 until June 20. She explained that the ministry would opt for a new procedure to execute this project. From now on citizens will be required to apply for a food parcel at the Social Affairs office in their neighborhood. The registrations will take place until June 30 from 8 a.m. until noon. Citizens who want to apply for a food parcel must present their ID card and family book. The people who work at the local offices of the Ministry of Social Affairs will register the maiden name of all women. People who had already applied for a food parcel do not have to get registered a second time. Pregnant women, senior citizens, people with a disability, people who have recently undergone surgery or who are suffering from a disease can ask a relative to have their name put on the list. “Their parcels will then be delivered to their doorstep,” said Director Salmo. People who got registered at the office located along the Gongrijpstraat and who still have not received their parcel will it soon. The ministry is currently still busy with the delivery of food parcels to church communities, neighborhood organizations and villages.