—strategies on service delivery for the vulnerable developed

IMPROVED delivery of assistance to vulnerable groups across the country, and strategic programmes to target social issues peculiar to regions, are among the priority areas that will be addressed expeditiously by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
This declaration was made by subject minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, on Monday, following a virtual meeting with members of the Gender Affairs Committees (GACs) in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). During the meeting, the Minister stressed the need for the GACs to work closely with the ministry to highlight problematic areas, and thereby improve the delivery of services to the most vulnerable. Emphasis will also be placed on gender mainstreaming in programmes with communities.

Critical areas to be addressed will include the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, child abuse, domestic violence and the “alarming increase of mental health cases”, which were highlighted by members of the GACs. Minister Persaud made a number of recommendations, and gave assurances that corrective steps to upgrade facilities, and the stationing of adequate officers at each regional location would be ensured. She expressed her appreciation for the openness of the members and noted that regular meetings would be held with the GACs to make certain that progress is made. “It is imperative that we establish an action plan on what we can accomplish, and troubleshoot the problems as a collective group,” Minister Persaud reiterated.
Members of the GACs will also benefit from intense training to ensure that they are informed on the ministry’s programmes and how gender issues and responses can be inculcated in their programmes.