PRESIDENT of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), Ms. Pamela Nauth has said the organisation warmly welcomes the new Executive Director, Ms. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth.

Nauth said they look forward to her moving the Association to new heights in its growth and development, where it will continue to build on its services as the leading agency for sexual and reproductive health rights in Guyana.
Nauth also expressed expectations that the new Executive Director will strengthen GRPA’s local, regional and international partnerships.
Armed with a wealth of experience, Sheerattan-Bisnauth’s appointment became effective on January 2, 2013.
In a recent statement, the GRPA Board of Directors said she, having worked in Guyana and Switzerland and studied in Jamaica, Sweden and the United States (U.S.), as well, adds valuable local and international experience.
As such, her expertise in the fields of sexual and reproductive health, gender and development, social work, economic and climate justice, research and management will serve to strengthen the organisation and enhance its operations.
“As a theologian and social justice advocate, Ms. Sheerattan-Bisnauth is said to have a strong commitment to the transformation of society through critical consciousness, gender and racial equality and sustainable socio-economic development,” they said.
She has published several articles, edited nine books, and has developed two gender training manuals, including a manual to promote positive masculinity.

LOOKING FORWARD
Sheerattan-Bisnauth has, since, indicated that she is looking forward to building on the good work of her predecessors, in a process of advancing the aims of the GRPA.
She said, too, that GRPA has a critical role to play in addressing critical issues relating to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and related issues affecting women, men and children.
SRH is linked to the achievement of economic and social development, thus it must be seen as a key issue to be addressed throughout Guyana, the new Executive Director said.
GRPA has a holistic approach to SRH care and its clinic, which is located at Lot 70 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, offers gynaecological care, pap smear tests, contraceptives, breast, pelvic, prostate and testicular examination, termination of pregnancy, infertility management, menopausal syndrome, HIV and STI testing and treatment that provides a host of other services.
Additionally, the Programmes Department delivers  many services, among them family, marriage and HIV counselling.
GRPA has outreach programmes in other coastal regions and hopes to strengthen this initiative and extend it to hinterland areas. The Association’s current focus is on gender-based violence, HIV and AIDS and sexually transmitted infections and it is encouraging volunteers to join its ranks.