The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services is confirming that national sporting icon Claude Noel is a beneficiary of its Special Achievers’ Grant, and has been for a number of years.
This in response to a viral video which claims “Poor Treatment To Mr. Noel.”
In its statement, the Ministry says it was brought to its attention that there was a period where Mr. Noel’s Special Achievers cheques were not collected and attempts were made to contact/locate Mr. Noel. Mr. Noel’s nephew, Renny Noel, was eventually reached, and the payments were issued to him in early February – a sum of approximately $15,000.00.
The Ministry says it was not aware of Mr. Noel’s need for a prosthetic leg following the amputation of his right leg, and will therefore collaborate with the Ministry of Health to provide the prosthetic leg. Additionally, a visit has been organised with the Home for Older Persons in Tacarigua to verify that Mr. Noel is in fact staying there so that an assessment of his living conditions can be conducted.
Mr. Noel was the country’s first lightweight world titleholder when he defeated Mexican Elgato Gonzales in 1982.