Ministers of Human Services and Social Security and Labour, Priya Manickchand and Manzoor Nadir respectively, last evening answered questions relating to their expenditure for 2010.

Minister Manickchand, responding to a question posed by the opposition, as to why the increase from 69 to 109 contracted employees which has upped spending by $40M,  noted that the Ministry extended its child protection services and has established a Child Care and Protection Agency which has employees under it.

The Minister also indicated that in keeping with the regulation for homes, new offices were added and that would add to the increase in the number of employees. Among the new portfolios are Social Service Assistance, Legal Officer, House Services Supervisor, Deputy Director Children’s Services, Director of Children Services, and drivers, all staff really for the Child Care and Protection Agency.

Minister Manickchand provided clarification as to the various buildings that would undergo maintenance works for a total of $21M in 2010. She indicated that in keeping with the Ministry’s policy to protect vulnerable groups, Government has provided facilities to accommodate some vulnerable people, and as such buildings that will be maintained include the Palms, Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute which trains mostly single parents and vulnerable women, and the Night Shelter.

The opposition also enquired from the Minister as to how the $14M allocated for scholarship training would be spent. The Minister noted that most of the monies will be allotted to the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute that will train women to be self sufficient so that they can better take care of themselves, children and others who may be dependent.

When questioned on the increase in the allocation from $85M to $120M for subsidy or grant given to local organizations which fall under the purview of Labour, Minister Nadir noted that the Board of Industrial Training will benefit from this allotment which will see payment for staff and other necessary resources, and also training programmes, including National Training Project for Youth Empowerment and Single Parent Training.

With respect to contributions made to the International Labour Organization, the Minister noted that because Guyana was overpaying the organization, the country was exempted from paying for a period of two years.

However, Guyana will recommence making contribution towards the organization this year. (GINA)