– urges them to be active in children’s upbringing
Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence took some time from her busy schedule on Sunday – Mother’s Day – to visit mothers in the Maternity Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Accompanied by Allan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, as well as a few other Administrative staff members from both the hospital and the Public
A Public Health Ministry staffer presenting this mother with a hamper of goodies for her newborn
Health Ministry, Minister Lawrence mixed and mingled freely with the mothers, and cuddled and played with some of the newborns. She enquired about their welfare and what they thought of the treatment they were receiving at the hospital. Importantly, as part of the visit, the minister presented the mothers with hampers.
Minister Lawrence told her happy audience, “It would be remiss of me not to come and congratulate the new mothers who have given birth, and to let them know how proud we are; and they are truly an asset to Guyana.”
She deemed it heartening to –in her own words — see the country’s population being increased, and reminded the women that their children will ultimately become the future of Guyana, so it is imperative that they receive a good upbringing.
“Nurturing does not only mean providing food and clothing and shelter, but it also means giving your child the best moral teaching and upbringing, because
Minister Lawrence interacting with one of the newborns
whatever Guyana is in the next 10 to 20 years lies in their hands,” she said.
The Public Health Minister also sought to raise with her audience issues such as family planning and planned parenthood. She urged women to seek counselling services from the various agencies within the Public Health Ministry, promising they would be given assistance in their quest to be mothers; and advised that mothers should be in the position — financial and otherwise — to take care of their children.
“Ensure you are in a position to become a mother, because you cannot reverse being a mother. Once that process starts, it’s there for life; and so my advice for them is to plan, ensure they are aware of all the services that are available,” she stated.
“Even those who are already mothers should seek out the services and medical advice, to ensure that they space their children out so that they can be in a position to properly care for, nurture, protect, and be around the children in their upbringing,” Lawrence noted.
Speaking to those children who do not have mothers, the minister said that in a cultured society such as Guyana’s, they can find mothers in just about anyone – aunts, neighbours, and even co-workers.
“That is our culture, so I want them to know that they, too, are loved… And whatever pain they may feel, just know that God is in charge,” she admonished.
Minister Lawrence also took time to interact with the hospital staffers, expressing her appreciation for their service. “I also want to congratulate the nurses and the doctors working today, because everybody wants to be home with their families, but they are here with smiles on their faces, taking care of the mothers and their babies,” she stated.
