Part of Hugo Chavez centre to be converted into self-sufficiency apartments

GINA, GUYANA, Monday, November 28, 2016

Plans to convert the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration into self-sufficiency apartments are closer to becoming a reality. Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence said that this initiative has been a work in progress for some time now, but it will become a reality next year since it will be catered for in the 2017 budget.

In a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Lawrence explained that a part of the institution located at Onverwagt, Region Five, will be converted into five self-sufficiency apartments, where those persons who are now independent and self-sufficient will be provided with accommodation, “But we would monitor them to ensure that they take their medications when they ought to and other necessary things,” Minister Lawrence said.

The Social Protection Minister said most of the residents are on their way to becoming entrepreneurs while some have been streamlined to seek employment outside of their organisation, under the Ministry’s purview.

“They have begun to rear chickens; as a matter of fact they’re now selling eggs. They also have couple hundreds of ducks and they are now providing that meat to various institutions. They’ve also acquired two sheep and next year, they’re looking at enlarging stock by building a new pen to start rearing more livestock so that they will be able to earn money for the residents who are there,” Minister Lawrence explained.

Over the last year, the care of the residents has improved and is more organised. Doctors, along with a medical team from the Fort Wellington hospital have been visiting the institution every month to provide treatment and interact with the residents. Ranks from the Guyana Fire Service also visited the institution to carry out fire drills and exercises, according to Minister Lawrence

The Minister added that the residents are also now becoming involved in recreational activities and tailoring and handicraft among others.

“We have a new administrator there given the last administrator’s contract came to an end and several things have been happening since the committee has been in place. We’re very proud of them,” Minister Lawrence said.

The centre was constructed in 2013 with US$2M funding from Venezuela. It boasts recreational, medical, kitchen, conference room, training and dining facilities.

 

By:Ranetta La Fleur