MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and a high-level team from her Ministry, on Monday, paid a visit to the Region Eight community of Monkey Mountain, interacting with residents and offering relief to some of their issues.

Top among some of the problems they are encountering is loss of farms due to flooding, and hence food security is a major concern to them at the moment.

The visit was to ensure that communities know that Government is committed to supporting them in difficult times, as well as engaging with them to address their concerns on the ground.

Minister Persaud and team took in almost 200 hampers that sought to bring some relief to this and other issues. Together with Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and Principal Personnel Officer, Rafael Boodhoo, and others from the Ministry, Minister Persaud met with the Regional Executive Officer, the Vice-Chairman, Toshao, and other community leaders.

Minister Persaud was able to have open, interactive sessions with the residents and receive feedback on how her ministry’s programmes were working in the region, such as the new pension delivery system.

“I was very happy that when we asked people about Old Age Pension, there was hardly any issue with them receiving it; maybe two persons in the whole of Monkey Mountain had minor issues that could easily be fixed,” Minister Persaud related.

Residents asked many questions related to school and education and pertaining to damage to crops. “Most of their crops were damaged and they were concerned about food security. But we took in hampers that would provide short-term relief to what they are experiencing,” she further said.

The team also had an opportunity to look at venues for training that will happen under the Ministry’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme. Many residents opted for courses in information technology, garment construction, and interior decorating. In fact, quite a few were able to register for them on the spot.

Minister Persaud chose to visit Monkey Mountain because she noted that Region Eight was impacted by flooding. “As a government, we are fanning out across the various regions. In this area, there is damage to crops and we were happy to reach out.”

She also wanted to check on how the ministry’s programmes were coming along in the community and whether people are really benefitting from them. So far, the people of Monkey Mountain seem excited to be able to participate in WIIN.

The ministry is looking at a learning resource centre and venues in Monkey Mountain where training can be done.