The Government of Guyana remains rigid in its commitment to ensuring that all Guyanese, irrespective of their geographic location, ethnicity or culture, receive the essential social services that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security provide, and which aim to reduce poverty and protect the vulnerable in society.

Minister Manickchand inspects the children’s corner of the new Social Services office

With this aim, Government achieved another significant milestone as Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, launched an office of the Ministry in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) yesterday.

This office will provide all the services that are offered by the Ministry in Georgetown, including Old Age Pension, Public Assistance, counselling, support for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence, and Single Parent Assistance, among others.

“Every service that we launch in Georgetown… know that if you come to this office that we are formally opening you can get that service, so please do not hesitate to use them,” Minister Manickchand encouraged.

Children vie for the attention of Minister Manickchand.

In 2007, the Ministry held a country-wide campaign on “Stamp it Out” which addresses sexual violence. During the Ministry’s visit to Mahdia, officials promised that the presence of the Ministry and an office would be established.

Since then the Ministry has had a Probation and Welfare Officer in the Region, Ms. Jackie Wilson.

“What we did in 2007 is reiterate a promise that the Government made at the 2006 elections … one of those promises was that we would provide residential social services and social services officers in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine,” she said.

At present, the four above-mentioned regions are benefitting from visiting Probation and Welfare Officers. However, because of the expansion of other social services such as housing, water, and education, Government is working to have the Ministry office set up as soon as possible.

Minister Manickchand explained that there have been some difficulties in accomplishing this task, as they were unable to find housing for the resident-officers, due to other Government officials who have retired occupying the houses. However, she noted that this has been resolved and shortly other offices will be opened in these regions.

Mahdia has a population of approximately 10,000 people and is located at an altitude of 415 metres. Commerce is centred around the area’s gold and diamond mining operations.

The community has a police station, and schools that provide nursery, primary and secondary education. (GINA)