The United States Embassy in George-town yesterday donated a 17-seat passenger bus to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, valued at US$25,000 ($5.2m).
Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch participated in the official handover ceremony at the Palms Rehabilitation Centre, Brickdam yesterday.
According to a release from the ministry, Persaud said, “I’d like to say how very much we welcome this very tangible present to this institution that is the home of our senior citizens. In fact, it houses over 200 senior citizens and we will make use of this mode of transportation very quickly because the geriatric population will use it to go to the hospital for treatment or any other place for therapy as well as the new programme set to unfold later in the year where we look at taking senior citizens for recreational and exercise activities.”
The ambassador said that the vehicle was shipped to Guyana from Japan, where it was previously used on Department of Defense military bases located there and now it’s found a new purpose in Guyana where it will be used to transport people with limited mobility to medical appointment and other necessary activities.
“This vehicle reflects the US Embassy’s continued commitment to the people of Guyana and assist where we can support Guyana’s health needs. I hope it serves the Palms Rehabilitation Centre well,” Ambassador Lynch added.
This donation, which was made through the Department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance Program and will support transportation for the elderly, as well as others with limited mobility.
