PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Sick children in Trinidad and Tobago will soon be able to travel overseas for specialist medical treatment with a free seat on Caribbean Airlines for themselves and one accompanying person, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced.

The initiative was outlined during her budget presentation on October 19 as part of the government’s efforts to improve access to life-saving treatment for children.

Persad-Bissessar also called for greater sensitivity from public servants dealing with families seeking assistance through the Children’s Life Fund, saying parents should not have to struggle to access support for their children.

“I know from growing up you always hear when you go into a government office, how people treat you bad. True or not true? That way of thinking and interacting has to stop. Every ministry, every one of you, get to your workers and teach them good human relations.

“When a parent comes in to ask, can I please get one of the grants on the Children’s Life Fund, don’t run them away because it could be your child one day,” she said.

The prime minister also criticised opposition members and independent senators for voting against amendments to legislation intended to expand the Children’s Life Fund last year.

“The opposition and independents said no to the Children’s Life Fund. Even if the legislation was not perfect, you could have passed it, and then the changes could be made. We will never let you forget that. We will always remember you voted against vulnerable children in this House, in this Parliament,” she said.