Indigenous Peoples’ Ministry working to address hinterland women, children’s issues – Minister Garrido-Lowe
Georgetown, GINA, July 20, 2016
Women and children in the 212 hinterland communities will soon get relief from issues affecting them as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is working collaboratively with local and international agencies in this regard.
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe told the Government Information Agency (GINA) today, that it is important for the Ministry of to cooperate with local and international agencies because the issues of incest, rape and unemployment among others have escalated to more hinterland communities.
The Minister noted that some of the women groups in hinterland communities are requesting training in cookery, garment construction, and adult education classes. “We have many requests and as the Minister I want our government to fulfill all,” the Minister said.
Additionally, the residents in Region One communities have requested assistance with their children, Minister Garrido-Lowe said. The Minister explained that when she visited the Region One communities she discovered that the children there are suffering terribly and urgently need help.
“Up to yesterday, (July 19) I was listening to residents of communities from Region One requesting help with regards to children and incest in the communities. I am aware that this happens all over Guyana and from all ethnic groups, but I’m concerned with our children in the hinterland because they’re my responsibility,” Minster Garrido-Lowe explained.
The Minister pointed out that the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is seeking funding from international agencies. It is also looking to collaborate with fellow Ministries to help resolve issues, Minister Garrido-Lowe said.
The Minister further explained that that her Ministry will specifically work together with the Ministry of Social Protection and other organisations to tackle the issues in the hinterland communities. She said that even though the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has a welfare department, it is necessary for the Ministry to work with the Ministry of Social Protection to facilitate training on Trafficking in Persons and drug and alcohol abuse.
When the Situation Analysis for Indigenous women and children in collaboration with UNICEF is completed, it will provide valuable information, especially for designing better programmes for the empowerment of women and girls, Minster Garrido Lowe noted. The situation analysis has been budgeted for in the 2016 national budget.