– Manickchand
“We are sending a firm message that street dwelling is not going to be acceptable and tolerable. At the same time, we believe strongly in treating everyone humanely, so we are not going to be manhandling anyone to come off the streets. We will spend a long time, though, persuading them to get into the bus with us” – Minister Manickchand

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand has refuted claims that the campaign to rid Georgetown streets of pavement dwellers is because CARICOM Heads of Government will meet here next week.

Speaking to reporters at Public Buildings Thursday, she said the exercise, which began several evenings before, is not as a result of the summit but rather, is one which is very comprehensive and will be continuing.

She expressed displeasure over an article, in another section of the press, which she charged, sought to sensationalise the drive with the suggestion that it is being done for the summit meeting.

Manickchand said the article should be disregarded by all who wish not to see people living on the streets, particularly, as it is unhealthy for those persons, as well as others who come into contact with them.

She said that, from the response received, persons are very satisfied with what is being done, adding that the shelter has in excess of 150 occupants daily since the commencement.

Manickchand disclosed that transportation is being provided to take those targeted to a new facility, where they are offered meals, a place to sleep, a change of clothing and use of the amenities.

She said Ministry of Health is also collaborating in the provision of medical services to the homeless.

Manickchand assured that the exercise is going to continue, with people being invited to get off of the streets.

The Minister said, of 44 persons picked up, only about three of them had mental health issues but the majority were found to have social problems such as issues with their families due to addiction to any number of substances.

But many of these persons we believe, strongly, that if we work with them and their families, they can be reintegrated into society as good citizens,” she said.

PREPARED
Manickchand said: “We are prepared to go the length on this and make sure that we provide meals and the clothes to ensure persons have an alternative…there has always been an alternative…I think we also have a duty to make that known to the people who are on the streets and that’s what we are doing.”

She said persons who are proven to be mentally ill will be treated by the Mental Health Department of Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

Responding to a question, Manickchand said approximately 70 per cent of the persons on the streets are abusing some substance and, as a result, her ministry will be engaging students from University of Guyana (UG), who are providing their services as case workers under the supervision of trained professionals.

She said they will also engage non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which have already been approached, about conducting programmes.

While it is Government funded and Government run, because we believe in the benefits and the effectiveness of collaborating, we are going to collaborate with NGOs who provide and run programmes like this.

We are sending a firm message that street dwelling is not going to be acceptable and tolerated. At the same time, we believe strongly in treating everyone humanely, so we are not going to be manhandling anyone to come off the streets. We will spend a long time, though, persuading them to get into the bus with us,” Manickchand explained.

PRACTICAL
She said, to be practical, they will have to keep up with their efforts to get people off the streets to live healthy and productive lives and they are prepared to do that.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly media briefing, had said the facilities utilised for housing the individuals are the GPH, for the mentally ill, East La Penitence Shelter near the Police Station, as well as other places for the homeless.

He said the net effect of the interdiction is what matters and its enduring nature is intended to keep the homeless off the streets.

Even if they do return to the streets, the continued vigilance by the authorities will ensure that they do not remain there, Luncheon said.

Minister of Public Works and Communications, Mr. Robeson Benn is assisting Manickchand to oversee the process.