The Human Services and Social Security Ministry extended its assistive aids programme to Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Through this initiative, the villages of Huradiah, Matthew’s Ridge, Santa Rosa, Kamwatta, Hosororo, Smith Creek, Rincon and Semone received assistance in the form of wheelchairs, walkers, white canes and diapers. The announcement was made at the just-concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.
Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud hands over assistive aids to representatives of Regions One and Nine
“This expansion is a testament to the Government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all communities have the support they need for a better quality of life,” a Human Services Ministry statement read.
Through the Ministry’s Difficult Circumstances Unit (DCU), some 3000 persons living with disabilities, senior citizens, victims of domestic violence and persons living in poverty have received supplies aimed towards improving their quality of life.
Last November, through the DCU and Miracle Vision Care, some 64 residents between eight and 90 years old, who are residents of Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) received spectacles for the first time at no cost to themselves.
The Unit also provided wheelchairs, crutches, walking canes and hampers to persons living with disabilities in that area.
On Thursday, Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud handed over the items to representatives of Regions One and Nine during the week-long conference that gave Amerindian leaders the platform to highlight areas of development within the hinterland and riverine communities that they deemed high priority.
Concerns raised over the lack of opportunities for development of women and youth in these communities encouraged the Human Services Ministry to work on specific programmes that address these target groups.
During the Conference’s closing ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali assured the Toshaos that the upcoming Budget 2024-2025 will speak directly to a new initiative that seeks to support women and young people, in areas of skills development, for one.
From Monday to Friday, community members engaged with Government officials at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. (G13)
