A significant initiative in Baramita, Region One spearheaded by the General Register Office, led by the Deputy Registrar General, has resulted in 25 couples being able to legalise their union.
A Ministry of Home Affairs release yesterday revealed that over the course of four days, from September 27 to 30, the legal union of 25 couples was realised, “marking a profound milestone in their lives.”
According to the release, during registration outreaches, it was discovered that within the area of Baramita, North West District, mainly Cassie Creek, Aranka, and Warapa, there were many couples who had been together for over 25 years without being legally married.
It explained that for many couples in these close-knit communities, the concept of legality in their relationships had eluded them for an extended period.
Among the most prevalent barriers to legality was the absence of basic documentation such as birth certificates or national identification cards. These barriers, predominantly rooted in language constraints and distance, obstructed access to these fundamental documents, preventing couples from legalising their commitment.
In an effort to correct this unfortunate state of affairs, the General Register Office in collaboration with community leaders and local churches worked diligently in the community to assist individuals in obtaining the vital documentation needed to formalise their unions. As the release noted, it was a collective effort that ultimately led to the facilitation of these long-awaited marriages.
“The culmination of these efforts saw not only the exchange of vows but the issuance of long-awaited marriage certificates, a tangible symbol of their enduring commitment. It was a testament to perseverance, unity, and the power of a community coming together to support and uplift its members.”
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the efforts of its General Register Office, “stands as a beacon of hope and support,” to ensure that every individual deserves the right to have their unions validated, regardless of administrative hurdles. These efforts, it noted, can serve as a model for other regions and communities facing similar issues and demonstrates how local authorities and community leaders can work together to support individuals and families in overcoming documentation challenges and ensuring that their unions are solemnised.
“In the end, the smiles, tears of joy, and the palpable sense of relief among the newlyweds reflected a long-awaited culmination of love finally bound by legality, a celebration of commitment. It also brings about a new sense of stability in the communities.”
The General Register Office (GRO) assures of its commitment to ensuring this vital function is not only accessible to all Guyanese but the process of registering for a marriage licence, and the issuing of a marriage certificate is simple and in keeping with the laws of Guyana. Further, in an effort to ensure there are more trained marriage officers, the GRO has, over the past few months, facilitated the training of over 60 marriage officers across the region, as well as providing training and awareness sessions to organisations and churches within Guyana.
Persons wishing to apply for a marriage licence can simply follow the procedure outlined via the ministry’s website: gro.moha.gov.gy; email at groguyana@gmail.com, or message via WHATSAPP at +592 610 9394, the release added.
