Social Development and Family Services Minister Donna Cox is being called out for displaying a “lack of respect” towards those in need during the pandemic, with the Women’s Arm of the United National Congress taking the Minister to task over her statement that some people are in need, while others are just greedy.

Cox made the comment as she weighed in on the hundreds of people who lined up to receive food hampers at South Park last Friday- an initiative which was organized by the private establishment.

“However, what we have noticed is that the situation really is not that bad as it appears to be. What is happening is that there are some people in need and some in greed,” she said.

The comment, which was first quoted in the Trinidad and Express, has been described by the UNC Women’s arm as out of touch. 

 “The statement uttered by the Minister of Social Development Donna Cox…is just another example of the callousness and downright  degrading attitude of this Government during this Covid Pandemic,” a statement from the UNC read on Sunday.

“To the Minister of Social Development, Donna Cox the Women’s Arm of the UNC is saying to you “If you cannot be humbled enough to understand and address the hunger of your citizens, then we request that you step down immediately, as it is very clear that because of your lack of care and respect for the less fortunate you lack the impetus and therefore have no idea what the common citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are going in these trying times,” it added. 

Hundred of people were turned away from last Friday’s hamper distribution, with police ordering the organizers to establish a cut off point due to the large gathering of people and lack of social distancing. 

The organizers have said another distribution is planned for this coming week.