…training to be offered to Night Shelter occupants
A $5 million wing at the Night Shelter that has the capacity of 120 was commissioned on Friday by Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud.
Minister Persaud at the opening of the new wing
The Minister excitedly shared that “This process took a little longer than I wanted it to take, but nevertheless, I am happy to be here to officially open the additional wing of the Night Shelter”.
Dr Persaud expressed that the Night Shelter, like other institutions, has been a passion of hers since her ascension to office.
“Since becoming the Minister here, I came here very early and this is one of the institutions that I am very passionate about ensuring that the conditions are improved, that environment is conducive, you’re (the occupants of the shelter) living comfortably,” she said.
The purpose of the new Night Shelter wing is to increase the capacity at the shelter.
“Today, we are opening a wing that would increase capacity, but will also be used to an extent to those coming in for the first time so that we can have them screened to make sure that they’re in good health and that they’re able to receive any treatment that they require before being integrated with everyone else,” the Minister explained.
Upgrades were previously made to other wings in the compound, but the Minister promised that more upgrades are to be made in the facility.
She said, “You would have seen the interior being upgraded within the Night Shelter, you would have seen your beds being improved, there’s more to happen in that direction, and of course new mattresses, new pillows, sheets, and overall, the exterior of the Night Shelter being ungraded.”
Meanwhile, the Minister also announced that the Ministry is working on providing training to the occupants of the shelter to better prepare those who are willing to enter the workforce.
The Minister said that training from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is an option being considered by the Minister.
