Human Services Minister, Mayor agree to tackle social issues affecting Capital City

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Wednesday, paid a call on the Mayor of Georgetown, His Worship, Ubraj Narine, where plans to improve the Capital City and issues affecting its residents were discussed.

One of the main issues discussed was the matter of derelict individuals often referred to as “social rejects”. The Minister highlighted that she is committed to restructuring and re-organising the Ministry to, effectively, address this and other similar issues.

To that end, her Ministry will be utilising existing facilities such as the Hugo Chavez Center, the Palms, and the Night Shelter.

Minister Persaud disclosed the operation of the Night Shelter will change to an open-door policy to also cater to those persons with specific needs. These will be either dealt with in-house or directed to where their needs can be properly addressed.

Mental health issues, general care for the elderly, and persons dealing with drugs and substance abuse, were some of the topics discussed during the meeting.

The Minister emphasised that she is “action-oriented” and shared her goal to remove the homeless and children off the streets. This, she noted, will be done by working along with the staff and programme managers to find the solution to ending this issue.

Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick, briefed Minister Persaud on the past collaborations between the Mayor and City Council, and the Ministry. It was agreed that the going forward the Mayor and City Council will submit their ideas to tackle social issues in the city to the Minister.