Press release – The Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, spearheaded a comprehensive outreach initiative aimed at directly engaging with residents of Riverview and Yarrowdam to address their concerns and provide vital information on available services on Friday February 16th, 2024. The visit saw an enthusiastic turnout of residents in Riverview eager to learn about the various programmes and support offered by the Ministry.
The event in Riverview served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and receive personal recommendations from the Minister herself. Minister Persaud along with a dedicated team from the Ministry, engaged with attendees on a wide range of topics, including access to free skills training, pension, public assistance, access to assistive aids, domestic violence, gender affairs, difficult circumstances, and trafficking in persons.
The team accompanying Minister Persaud comprised of members from key divisions within the Ministry, including the Gender Affairs Bureau, Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit and Childcare and Protection Agency. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to providing holistic support to communities across Guyana.
During her address, Minister Persaud reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to serving the people and outlined the initiatives slated for inclusion in the 2024 Budget. The emphasis was placed on empowering individuals through access to education, skills training, and support services, thereby fostering inclusive growth and development.
Following the successful engagement in Riverview, the team proceeded to Yarrowdam, where they embarked on a house-to-house visitation campaign. This approach allowed the team to assess the unique needs and aspirations of Yarrowdam residents firsthand, ensuring a targeted and personalized approach to addressing community challenges.
The house-to-house visits facilitated meaningful interactions with residents, enabling the team to gain valuable insights into the specific issues facing the community. By engaging directly with residents in their homes, the Ministry aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and ensure that no voice goes unheard in the development process.
Minister Persaud expressed her gratitude to the residents of Riverview and Yarrowdam for their active participation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working tirelessly to address their needs and concerns. She encouraged residents to continue engaging with the Ministry and to take advantage of the various support programs and services available to them.
One resident, Amanda Walters, expressed satisfaction with the Minister bringing the services to the community, noting that it was a much-needed intervention.
Pensioners also highlighted appreciation in the several new ways in which pensioners can collect their pension while praising Minister Persaud for her work in providing free assistive aids to persons living with disabilities.