Sexual offences, domestic violence take focus in Reg 9 outreach

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry recently concluded a three-day outreach to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) during which over 3000 residents were engaged.
In addition to the central hub of Lethem, subject Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud visited satellite villages such as Parikwarinau, Potarinau, Sand Creek, Tiger Pond and Karasabai.

“When the President, His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali says One Guyana, he means everyone in this one Guyana and I am looking at the development that is happening here and the pace at which it is happening. This is what our Government is all about, ensuring every one of you, irrespective of age or gender, have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Dr Persaud told the residents.
Through both educational and interactive experiences, residents expanded their knowledge on topical issues such as sexual offences and domestic violence, gained assistance through the Difficult Circumstances Unit and the Child Care and Protection Agency, and addressed concerns around public assistance and old age pension.
“Never before in the history of this country have we seen so many pensioners or beneficiaries of Public Assistance and Permanent Disability. From 2020 when we got into Government to now, we moved from 60,000-odd pensioners to 73,000 pensioners this year.”
“We started the six-month payment period and now we are working to see between six months and quarterly, how often we can have the direct payment come in more regularly and what we have been doing is to improve the system centrally,” Minister Persaud added.
Residents on the sidelines of the visit, complimented Minister Persaud for the drastic change that resulted in the prompt delivery of their old age pension and public assistance since assuming office.
“I am happy to see the Minister who is responsible for pensions come to see us, I must say thanks to her for making us receive it faster,” one pensioner, Edith Xavier, related.
The Human Services Ministry also promised members within most communities that they will be trained through the Ministry-led Women’s Investment and Innovative Network (WIIN), particularly in garment construction.
Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock commended the work of Minister Persaud and expressed gratitude for her timely outreach.
“What you are seeing here is what was promised, and you see this Minister here, when she commits to something, she does it and we go all out to satisfy our people,” Allicock said.
As a testament of the Government’s commitment to development in far-flung communities, Toshao Peter Stainlaus of Potarinau shared that Dr Persaud was the sixth Minister to visit the community in the past three years.