In a recent sitting of the House of Assembly, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley expressed his disappointment regarding the decision to release an unredacted version of the “Report on the Examination of the House of Assembly’s Covid-19 Assistance Grants” to the public.
The Premier voiced his concerns and empathized with individuals named in the report, who may face public scrutiny despite having done nothing wrong, as well as those who might be shamed by society for needing financial assistance.
Premier Wheatley emphasized the potential negative consequences of releasing the unredacted report, particularly for those individuals who have found themselves in challenging circumstances and relied on the Covid-19 assistance grants. He highlighted the importance of protecting the privacy and dignity of those in need, ensuring that they are not unfairly judged or stigmatized by society.
While recognizing the importance of public access to information, Premier Wheatley underscored the necessity of safeguarding the well-being and reputations of those affected by the report’s contents. He called for a more thoughtful and responsible approach to ensure that individuals seeking assistance during challenging times are treated with respect and compassion.