As part of its efforts to take its services countrywide, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, led a delegation to Region Nine where over 3,000 people benefitted from a three-day engagement.
A release from the Ministry of Human Services informed that aside from the central hub of Lethem, Persaud and team visited satellite villages such as Parikarainau, Potarinau, Sand Creek, Tiger Pond and Karasabai.
According to the release, residents benefitted from both an educational and interactive experience on topical issues such as sexual offences and domestic violence, assistance through the Difficult Circumstances Unit, help from the Childcare and Protection Agency as well as queries on public assistance and old age pension.
Further, most of the communities visited were given a commitment to have residents trained through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute’s Women’s Investment and Innovative Network, particularly in garment construction.
“Where government is concerned, we don’t think anything is too much to bring to any region and to bring to every person across the length and breadth of Guyana,” the release quoted Persaud as saying. “… I am looking at the development that is happening here and the pace in which it is happening. This is what our government is all about, ensuring every one of you, irrespective of age or gender have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
She also discussed plans to improve payments to pensioners, the release said, adding that residents complimented Persaud for the “drastic change” that has resulted in the prompt delivery of their old age pension and public assistance since she assumed office.
The release quoted Edith Xavier, a pensioner, as saying, “I am happy to see the minister who is responsible for pension come to see us, I must say thanks to her for making us receive it faster.”
“It is good to see the government coming to us, lots of time it is like we are forgotten but we see the effort of this government and we are pleased to have them here to listen to us and experience the beauty of the region,” another resident Edward Edwards was quoted as saying.
