RECENTLY appointed Vice-president and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, was on Thursday paid courtesy visits at his Lot 6 Brickdam office by UNICEF Representatives Marianne Flach and Patrice La Fleur; British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and Ambassador Albert Ramdin, OAS Secretary-General.Speaking to the media after discussions with the minister, UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Marianne Flach, said a number of issues were discussed including birth registration, since the country has not yet achieved 100% universal birth registration, which remains around 90%.

She added that we know it is difficult to reach the last 10% and much effort was expended, but we are looking to see what more could be done if universal birth registration is to be achieved.

Flach disclosed that they also talked about a juvenile justice bill; the age of criminal responsibility which stands at 10 and needs to be increased; children in conflict with the law and the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre for youths, which needs to be upgraded to be in line with international standards.

The envoy stated that the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) was also discussed, noting that children who fall foul of the law should not be regarded as criminals and that work on their re-integration into society should be pursued. Also discussed was the introduction of prevention programmes for potential, young offenders through UNFPA and UNICEF and the consultancy for completion of the National Youth Policy and the Sexual Offences Act.

Meanwhile, Patrice La Fleur, Assistant Representative for UNPFA/UNICEF said yesterday morning that they are also advocating youth friendly spaces for youths that would enable them to get off the streets and occupy their time with meaningful activities.