Government establishes first ‘White Zone’ facility in Berbice
GOVERNMENT has established a ‘White Zone’ at the Roadside Baptist Skills Training Centre, Number 68 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand, declared it open on Monday and said she is hopeful it will be used as a model in the Caribbean and internationally, to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence.

At the facility, women fleeing from abusive partners will be provided with temporary lodging and meals, among other forms of assistance. It also promises to be child friendly for those persons leaving home with their children, as it has beds, stoves, kitchen utensils, toys, books, etc.  

Minister Manickchand said it is Government’s effort to take services closer to the people and, for the past few weeks, her ministry had staff making house-to-house visits to explain details about the project.
She said they managed to cover 2,000 households from Number 68 to Skeldon and the officers also spoke to men on the streets.

Pointing out that the initiative has no limitations when it comes to religion, Manickchand said a community policing group is also intended to be formed.

Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB), Ms. Hymawattie Lagan, announced that the hospice will offer 24 hours a day service and is not intended for long term shelter.

She said the ‘White Zone Flag’ would be the main identifying mark similar to facilities countrywide and will have designated areas for counselling and private interviews.

Lagan said the Ministry is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and A. H.&L. Kissoon, a donor from the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

A person can gain admission at any time of day or night as staff will be available and would, immediately, notify the Police and other social service agencies of the individual’s particular situation.

The ‘White Zone’ was inaugurated minutes after scores of men signed the ‘Skeldon Declaration’ in which they vowed not to abuse their women verbally, physically and sexually.