THE Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, at Onverwagt West Coast Berbice, which was commissioned on August 10, 2013, featured among the criticisms levelled against the Government in Parliament on Wednesday night.A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) and representative of Region 5(Mahaica/Berbice) Jennifer Wade charged that the needs of one of the most vulnerable groups are being ignored by the Government as the facility remains unoccupied.
It was expected to begin accommodating homeless persons by the end of August 2013 and cater for 100 males and 80 females.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Mr. Patrick Findlay said a careful selection process was being undertaken, involving a close examination of the mental state of the possible occupants that are to be housed there.
“Nothing is happening,” Wade claimed.
Homeless persons
In February, this year, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster said 80 homeless persons had already been identified and evaluated by the Ministry to take up residence there.
However, Wade bemoaned the fact that it is now the beginning of April and the urgent needs of the “poor people” are still to be addressed.
The Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, constructed with US$2M funding from Venezuela, has recreational, medical, kitchen, conference room, training and dining facilities.
A section of the land space is dedicated, as well, to meaningful occupation by residents for agriculture practices.
The project was commissioned five months after the death of Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez, in whose honour it was named.