…Ministry of HS&SS to collaborate with relevant agencies

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindya Persaud, has committed to restructuring and reorganising the Ministry to deal with the social-ll issues in the society.

During a visit to the Mayor and City Councillors of the city of Georgetown, Minister Persaud made it clear that she intends to utilise the existing structures such as the Hugo Chavez Center, the Palms and the Night Shelter.

Minister Persaud indicated that the night shelter must have an open- door policy to address people who have specific needs and require special service.
She made mention that she will be working on having more persons accommodated and added that they will receive better care, and persons will be equipped with the necessary skills, if they are capable of working.

In addressing the issue of mental health and overall care for the elderly, Persaud made it clear that persons who have problems with drugs and substance abuse will be directed to the Hugo Chavez Center for treatment.

It has been a passion of Minister Persaud to get the homeless and children off the street, and, as such, she pledged to work along with staff and programme managers to find solutions to the present unacceptable situation.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk (ag) of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Sherry Jerrick, made mention that the M&CC had been in constant communication with the Ministry for a number of years.

Jerrick expressed the view that, based on several stakeholder meetings, a holistic approach was needed to address the issues. She added that meetings must be scheduled on a regular basis.

The Mayor and City Council and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security have agreed to collaborate and are looking forward to a strong and Healthy relationship.