Govt. to assess the provision of services to vulnerable groups
– Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Board of Guardians installed
Minister Vindhya Persaud and members of the BOG at Fort Wellington Regional Democratic Council Office.
Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will “critically assess” how its officials interact with vulnerable groups in need of assistance in an ongoing effort to improve the quality of services provided.
The subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, made this disclosure during Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Board of Guardians (BOG) installations at Fort Wellington Regional Democratic Council Office on Saturday, February 28, 2021.
In a statement, the Ministry revealed that the Board of Guardians is tasked with a number of responsibilities, including reviewing applications for public assistance in a specific catchment area.
Recognizing that the Ministry should be “people-centered,” Persaud the need for compassion and empathy.
“When people come for public assistance it means they have no other choice, so we have to learn how to talk to them when they come to us for help. Therefore, the Ministry will be critical in assessing the performance of officers to see how they deal with the public. I make no apologies for that because I think we need to increase the way we provide services to the people of this country, ”the Minister noted.
Dr. Persaud also urged the Ministry’s Probation Officers, Board members and the District Welfare Committee to hold sessions with community members “to sensitize them on how public assistance works, the benefits and who benefits.”
Public commitments would also eliminate any miscommunication and speculation of discriminatory practices, the Minister said.
“So if you have ongoing commitments within the communities, people will have the confidence in you, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, and I want to be very clear on this. We need to reach out and help people; help and support should not be involved in any of these things, ”he noted.
Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, congratulated Board members on their appointments, and noted that their roles were critical in implementing the Ministry’s vision.
“You are the eyes and ears on the ground. You all have an impact on the lives of the most vulnerable, ”he said.
However, he explained that the concept of public support is not intended to be a permanent solution, rather people will gain skills through programs offered by the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) “where they are certified and be employed beneficially. “