The Support and Heal Network initiative, a partnership between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and faith-based leaders to address social issues among vulnerable groups and communities across Guyana, was formalised on Monday.
During the virtual meeting, Dr Vindhya Persaud, the subject minister, congratulated the leaders for their commitment to work with the ministry to execute its mandate. She lauded their enthusiasm and encouraged them to use the training received through the ministry to counsel “those in need.”
The objectives of the Support and Heal Initiative are to make recommendations and devise strategies to effectively support the ministry’s work on social issues and developmental opportunities for vulnerable groups and communities.
“I am pleased to say that through our collaborative relationships with the faith-based community we will be able to offer additional support and counselling, which will impact on the incidences of violence, abuse and suicide,” Minster Persaud added.
As part of the formalisation exercise, Bishop Patrick Findlay was elected Chairman; Pandit Yogesh Mathoo, Vice Chairman; Elder Wayne Barrow, Recording Secretary and Kala Seegopaul, Treasurer.
The validity of their respective post is 24 months, effective January 18, 2021. Meanwhile, the Terms of Reference to guide the support network’s responsibilities were fine-tuned and circulated among the members.
The Heal and Support was established by Minister Persaud following a National Day of Prayer on September 13, 2020, to promote peace and harmony. Religious organisations involved in this voluntary programme include the following: Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana; Guyana Islamic Trust; Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; Guyana Pandits Council; Guyana Central Arya Samaj; Roman Catholic Church of Guyana; Assemblies of God; New Testament Church of God; Revealed Word Christian Centre; Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists; Anglican Diocese Guyana; Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana; The Salvation Army of Guyana; The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints; Guyana Rastafari Council; Maha Sabha; National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Guyana; Guyana United Apostolic Mystical Council; Full Gospel Church – Guyana; Guyana Presbyterian Church; Guyana Lutheran Church; Guyana Brethren Church; Guyana Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at-l-Islam (Lahore); Guyana Wesleyan Church and Hare Krishna Movement and the Guyana Islamic Forum.
(Ministry of Human Services and Social Security press release)
