Overcrowding of Indigenous Residence being addressed – Min. Allicock

DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 9, 2018

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock has stated that contrary to reports circulating on social media, the ministry is working assiduously to the address the issue of overcrowding at the Indigenous Residence located at Princess Street, Georgetown.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Allicock explained that the Indigenous Residence (Amerindian Hostel) was not designed to house the number of persons it has been accommodating over the past few years.

Recognising this, the government in its 2018 budget allocated the sum of $20M to renovate and extend the facility.  This will cater for four additional modern rooms which will specifically cater for Toshaos who often travel to Georgetown to conduct Village Council business.

Additionally, the rooms, for both male and female residents, will be renovated with modern amenities that cater to those seeking medical attention, as well as their relatives.

In the interim, the western half of the building was extended to accommodate the cafeteria. There were also minor upgrades to the rooms, the maternity unit, and recreational facility.

“It is a work in progress and we are hoping that we can bring some relief to the residents of the hinterland. It is going to continue in that frame until we find a better solution”, Minister Allicock said, adding that the idea of a brand-new building will be examined as a long-term solution.

In 2017, the Indigenous Residence provided accommodation, transportation, and meals for 2,153 persons. Recreational services, counselling, nursing care, and educational services to improve the health and welfare of Indigenous persons were also provided. A bus was also handed over to the residence.

 

 

By: Synieka Thorne

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