REGIONAL Executive Officer (REO) for Region Four, Pauline Lucas, has made a bold step by making a donation to her counterpart in Region One, REO Lieutenant Colonel retired, Randy Storm.

Lucas, after being informed of the various challenges and difficulties facing Region One, agreed to lend support to the establishment of a One Stop Reporting Referral Centre, which is primarily geared at reporting on child-related issues. Lucas had recently visited Region One.

This centre, the REO stressed, would further boost the region’s ability to monitor what is happening with the children coming to Guyana from neigbouring Venezuela. She said that with the establishment of the centre, it would address a number of sexual offenses being committed against migrant and local children, while also affording child care and the

welfare departments to better assess, monitor and be alerted on various situations, thus increasing their efficiency in addressing these matters. REO Lucas told her counterpart that she would like to see the establishment of this centre, which according to Regional Health Officer Region Four, Dr Quincy Jones, has seen UNICEF giving a commitment to providing technical assistance, becoming a reality this month.

REO Lucas said that the centre would see a number of persons representing various stakeholders from both Regions One and Four, coming together in drafting a plan so as to ensure that they can effectively monitor and address the migrant situation. This, she

stated, would enhance their capability of the growing number of migrants in Guyana, and preventing a breakdown of control in terms of the numbers and issues. As such, she has called for personnel to be identified in Region One and with the commitment given by UNICEF in providing training to take advantage of the offer, thus empowering and strengthening their skills and knowledge so as to return to the region and work.

“UNICEF has agreed to give valuable technical support and I would say that with those who Region One will identify from various stakeholders, to send them to Georgetown for a week or two, so as to be able to provide best practices upon their return to the region and help in addressing the situation,” REO Lucas said.

REO Lucas said that the migrant situation is not confined to only Region One, but throughout Guyana, noting that even in Region Four they are faced with migrants there. She warned that a national approach should be taken so as to ensure that it is dealt with effectively by all various stakeholders, adding that it is not Region One who would be the only ones affected, but every Guyanese.

REO Lucas has donated some computers and printers along with bags, stating that the donation is an indication of her commitment to the region in addressing the situation.
Regional Chairman 0f Region One, Brenthol Ashley, thanked the REO and expressed his appreciation over the items that he said would be of significant value and use to his region.

“Your assistance to our region is very timely and we would like to say thank you very much and assure you that your assistance would aid us in better addressing the migrant situation that we are faced with at this time. We are truly grateful for trying your best to help us, as you would know that we have several children who are affected by this situation,” the regional chairman said.

He added, “I am happy that another region has sought to provide help to us. I am glad that the equipment that you have provided will help in this case, I am grateful for your presence and I am grateful for your support.”

This, the REO said, will help in better monitoring the migrants while affording government an opportunity to better understand the issues that need prioritising and how to address major issues and concerns through the data. She supported the call by UNICEF that efficiency is critically important in combatting the situation.