… Says that no citizen in need should be denied public assistance
Over the weekend the Minister for Human Services, Dr Vindhya Persaud, accused the five new Boards of Guardians in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to make the lives of citizens seeking Government public assistance easier.
Thirty-three people on Saturday received their letters of appointment to serve on the Boards of Guardians in District Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). There are five such Boards in the East Berbice-Corentyne region. These Boards are located in New Amsterdam; Lower Corentyne; Middle East Corentyne; West-Central Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. Addressing the Boards following the appointments, the Minister noted that whilst some people’s applications may be rejected, it could be a case where the individual can be referred to the relevant agency, for example, the court or other support groups who are not of necessity necessarily. comes under the view of the Ministry of Human Services.
“There is no reason why people should be deprived of help and we are dealing with people, people from all different backgrounds and all levels of need, and because they are in need, there is no reason why they should not be treated with dignity. We will look at that seriously. I give my commitment to that because it is a real problem not only in this region but throughout the country, ”the Minister said in response to accusations that many officials working in the Ministry are condescending to people who seek public assistance.
Apart from social assistance and old age pension, the Ministry’s survivors’ advocacy program is another public awareness service.
“Apart from Guardian Boards, the Ministry has launched a number of initiatives and in addition to your very important responsibility, as a member of Boards of Guardians, I hope you will also support each of these initiatives and help us spread awareness of what we are doing. The 914 helpline has been launched. ”
914 helpline
Commenting on the recent incident in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), where a father allegedly burned his wife and two children to death and in District Six where her daughter’s mother beat her unconscious, the Minister for Services said Human violence that has meted out to children, adults or older people in Guyana has become very pervasive.
“So we thought it was better to interrupt 914 which is a new toll free helpline. Which means whether you have a GTT or Digicel phone, the calls are free. “He further explained that the helpline will allow people to get immediate help through a wide range of services including Police, Child Protection Agency and so on.
“If someone is actively cut off, when you call 914, the operator takes the call and immediately contacts you with the Police department. In order, we are going to contact the Police on behalf of that person who is affected. ”
Meanwhile, in welcoming the new Board members, Minister Persaud said that it is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve.
“I know that you will be moving everything in your path to help those in desperate need,” said the Minister, noting that she has been meeting new Board members across the country. (G4)
