THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is continuously focusing on improving the quality of lives of the vulnerable sections of society, by providing the services and basic requirements especially for the senior citizens, children, women and the homeless.

Through this year’s budget, $9.18B has been allocated for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to carry out its mandate. This will result in continuation and enhancement of many programmes aimed at ensuring all Guyanese live a comfortable life.
During a budget programme on Tuesday at the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster stated that about seven years ago the Ministry embarked on a specific plan, and will continue along the line of the vision for Guyana, making it a better place and at the same time improving the quality of lives of its people.

Pension increase
This year’s allocation will see over 42,500 pensioners benefiting from a 25% increase in their pension raising it to $12,500. In 2012, about 44,000 pensioners received 33.33 percent or $10,000 monthly prior to the $7,500 they were collecting in 2011. The pension payable in 2006 was a mere $3,500
This year, government also introduced the new electricity assistance for pensioners, which is intended to support them in a manner similar to that of the water subsidy where pensioners will benefit from an annual sum of $20,000 based on approximately 25 KW hours of electricity.
Ms. Webster said many of the pensioners have welcomed this initiative because more than 48% of them depend on this subsidy. The Ministry pays the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) $200M annually for water. All pensioners are eligible for the electricity subsidy.
400 single parents to benefit from training
This year more than 400 single parents are expected to benefit from training programmes which will assist them to acquire the requisite skills for life. Additionally the Women of Worth (WOW) programme will be launched in Region One (Barima/Waini) and more than 100 single-parent women will benefit.
The programme will be able to help them expand their micro-credit enterprises that they currently have and to perhaps embark upon new ventures and at the same time sustain themselves and family.

Public assistance
Government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable citizens of the country is further reflected in the continued emphasis which was placed on the public assistance programme throughout 2012. Disadvantaged individuals benefited from monthly support countrywide. This programme will continue in 2013.
The Ministry will be working with the Ministry of Housing on the core homes for the public assistance beneficiaries, helping them to acquire their own homes and also moving to different areas in terms of having accommodation for themselves and families, the Minister explained.

Youths
There is no more effective way to assist the vulnerable than to help them secure the independence of gainful employment. For this reason, in addition to the various training programmes, government will also seek to match persons seeking employment with potential employers seeking staff.
In this regard, last year, 2,912 new registrants were added to the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency’s (CRMA’s) system in order to be considered for employment. Over 3,620 individuals were interviewed and, through the support of CRMA, 2,945 unemployed persons successfully gained work placements.
In 2013,  substantial efforts will be made to further strengthen this agency to create an effective labour market clearing house, with which job seekers can register their interest in finding employment, employers, register their recruitment needs, and the agency perform a proactive matching service.
Efforts will also be made to decentralise the services of the agency, especially through the use of technology. For this purpose, $52M has been provided in the budget to strengthen the Agency and to promote its capacity to ensure equal opportunity for all in the labour market.
Ms. Webster said that Guyana is on a rapid path of development and this is a golden opportunity for Government to work with the youths and encourage them to understand that they can contribute to the country’s development, and fulfilling their personal dreams, ambitions and aspirations.

Children
This year, the Ministry will be conducting parenting sessions countrywide which are intended to help parents understand their roles. Ms. Webster said that the adoption programme will continue to provide backup support to those parents who really need it.
She said that the ministry will be embarking on a national campaign against abuse in all the regions, aggressively promoting the end of abuse especially among children.
There will be public sensitisation in collaboration with the communities, religious bodies and civil society. “Our children are the future and we have to ensure that we have policies in place to support their development,” Minister Webster said.

Homeless
The sum of $54 million was allocated which will enable the completion and operation of the Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration located at Onverwagt, Region 5 (Demerara/Mahaica), which will see 180 homeless persons benefiting from skills training.
The shelter is 98 percent complete and after the passage of the budget there will be a formal opening. The monies allocated will assist with some of the items required to ensure that the centre is fully furnished.
Webster explained that most of the persons are under the age of 60 and there will be specific programmes for them to be rehabilitated. She further stated that the idea is to not have them live in an institution and to be dependent, but acquire life skills so that when they move on they can earn a living.
Over 200 homeless persons benefitted from accommodation, meals and medical attention in 2012 at the Night Shelter in East La Penitence.(GINA)