–under $40.4B allocation for Human Services Ministry
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has been allotted $40.4 billion in Budget 2023, the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, announced during his presentation of the government’s fiscal plan to the National Assembly, on Monday.

The Finance Minister said that the government remains steadfast and committed to the health, well-being, and welfare of the country’s citizens, and evidence of this commitment is the $100 million allocation for the construction of a new care home for senior citizens.

Additionally, as was reported, old-age pensions will increase from $28,000 to $33,000 this year.

Last year, pensioners benefitted from a one-off cash-grant of $28,000 and 28,450 pensioners benefitted from subsidized water charges in 2022. Further, several initiatives were implemented in 2022 to ensure that women and girls as well as men and boys could participate fully in development of the country.

“Our government expanded the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme from 2,170 beneficiaries in 2021 to 6,193 in 2022… provision is made in 2023 for the continuation of this programme, targeting an additional 6,000 women,” Dr. Singh said.

To further support women and men while at work, 444 essential workers received $15,000 per month for three months for childcare services, and 60 day-care facilities benefitted from the disbursement of a one-off $50,000 for the improvement of their facilities in 2022.

In 2023, $100 million has been budgeted for the construction of day and night-care centres to benefit women and men in need of child-care services while at work.

Dr. Singh said that the Government of Guyana recognises that addressing social issues, such as the scourge of child abuse, requires a whole-of-society approach, and an amount of $103.9 million was allocated to child advocacy centres to ensure vulnerable children in all 10 regions are reached.

Additionally, in 2022, the launch of Men on Mission (MoM) by President Ali, invited menfolk to provide coaching, mentoring, and direction.

“Building role models for boys to emulate so that they enter adult life as responsible and respectful citizens will bode well for gender relations and development as a whole,” Minister Singh said.

Key interventions in 2023 include the development of gender focal points to advocate against gender inequality; the introduction of a Gender Equality Seal Programme to advance gender mainstreaming in the workplace; the launch of a Share Responsibility at Home Campaign to reverse and eliminate persistent gender stereotyping, negative cultural attitudes and other practices which discriminate against women; and training of 2,500 national and community leaders on gender and social inclusion and development of gender mainstreaming into decision-making processes.

For persons with disabilities (PWDs), the government’s aim is to ensure that transportation is available at all institutions representing those persons.

Dr Singh said the government remains committed to delivering social services to all eligible persons, as their manifesto promised through better facilities, services, and jobs.

There are plans to open two domestic violence shelters this year to provide needed refuge for women and children fleeing violence. Further, a sum of $56 million is allocated to support Help and Shelter.

Additionally, a draft of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill has been created and is being reviewed by stakeholders.

In 2023, an additional $114.9 million is allocated for the continued government contribution towards legal aid services required by victims.