US Embassy gifts 17-seater bus to Palms Rehab Centre
Human Services and Social Security Minister Vindhya Persaud collects the keys to the bus from US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch
The United States Embassy in Guyana on Friday handed over a 17-seater passenger bus to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry to be used at the Palms Rehabilitation Centre.
The vehicle, valued at $5.2 million, was handed over to Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud by US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch at the Palms Rehab Centre, Brickdam, Georgetown.
“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,” Minister Persaud stated.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Lynch pointed out that this will allow persons with limited mobility to comfortably travel around for health check-ups and other errands.
“You may notice that this bus is right-hand drive, even though vehicles in the United States are left-hand drive. That’s because this vehicle was shipped to Guyana from Japan, where it was previously used on Department of Defence 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 appointments and other necessary activities,” she added.
“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.”
This donation was made through the Department of Defence’s Humanitarian Assistance Programme and will support transportation for the elderly, as well as others with limited mobility. The US Embassy said it is pleased to contribute to the social services offered by the Guyana Government to senior citizens who have contributed immensely to its development.
