– Min. of Human Services and Social Protection, Dr. Vindya Persaud

NEWLY appointed Minister of Human Services and Social Protection, Dr. Vindya Persaud, said her ministry’s focus will centre on vulnerable groups to alleviate poverty.
“I believe it is imperative that I focus on those that over some time would have been facing difficulties in key areas. The elderly for example, to look at pensions, to look at benefits and programmes where their life and quality of life can be improved,” Minister Persaud told Department of Public Information (DPI) in a recent interview.
Turning her attention to women, the Minister disclosed that measures will be in place to develop more women for leadership roles, ensuring they understand the need for education, to have skillsets so they can earn an income and develop themselves.

Minister Persaud added that those agencies which are key to ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of children will be enhanced and provided with more resources. She noted there is the need for more counselling in schools which requires inter-collaboration between Ministries and ensuring in communities mental health is addressed.
“We also have to look at Trafficking in Persons, the juvenile system and two key agencies – the NIS and the pension systems,” she added.
“I will involve the community, various agencies, people and stakeholders because a big part of what we have to do is be inclusive and we want to have many people share their opinions and views and bring their skills to the table,” Minister Persaud stated.

On Wednesday, President Mohammed Irfaan Ali swore the nineteen members of his cabinet at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.