Human Services Minister pledges support to Deaf Association of Guyana

Securing a suitable building for members of the Deaf Association of Guyana to congregate for recreational activities is a commitment to be undertaken by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

The need for a recreational area, job opportunities for the deaf, shortage of sign language translators, and funding were among several issues discussed when Directors of the Association met Hon Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the subject Minister, on September 4, 2020.  

Against this backdrop, Minister Persaud recommended to Sabine McIntosh, the Association’s Managing Director, to submit a proposal detailing her short and long term priority projects which would be reviewed and where practicable be included in the Ministry’s 2021 budget for consideration.  

In the meantime, she encouraged Ms McIntosh and her team to scout for possible common spaces, including public buildings, to accommodate recreational activities.

Cognizant of the fact that the Ministry is people oriented, Hon. Persaud pledged to support any sign language training and other initiatives to bridge the gap between the deaf and the public, including staff within her Ministry.  

Accompanying Ms. McIntosh to the meeting were Directors Ricky Mohamed and Quincy Richards.