–new geriatric home, increased pension among significant plans, Minister Persaud says

–challenges APNU+AFC’s claims about social welfare with facts about PPP/C’s prioritisation of vulnerable groups in Guyana

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, on Thursday said that the expansion of several critical social services to benefit senior citizens and the most vulnerable population in Guyana is expected to continue with this year’s allocation of some $48.1 billion in Budget 2024.

Dr Persaud made these remarks during her contributions to the National Budget debate during the 75th sitting of the 12th Parliament.

During her address, she questioned why people and the opposition would refuse to support a budget which includes measures and funding to bring relief to the people of the country, and alleviate many of the issues being faced the world over.

Addressing the $48.1 billion set aside for her ministry, she said that much of it revolves around measures to impact senior citizens.

However, prior to her presentation, Opposition Member of Parliament Natasha Singh-Lewis said that the country’s geriatric home, the Palms, has been beset by persistent complaints and called for the facility to be restored and upgraded.

In response to this, the minister revealed that $172 million has been set aside in this year’s budget for a new senior citizen’s home. Dr Persaud said that the government prioritises senior citizens across the country.

“It is important that the people of this country understand what the budget has to offer and it is not only a senior citizens’ home that we are doing for those who fall into that category. There are many other things: the senior citizens’ home will be based in Enmore and it is our vision that eventually those persons will move… and the Palms will be something to look back on as where it all started, because it does absorb so much in the rehabilitation and repairs to it,” Dr Persaud said.

Setting the record straight on another issue mentioned by the Opposition MP, the Human Services Minister indicated that the pensioners across this country, over the tenure of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) thus far, have benefited from a 75 per cent increase in their pensions, which, she added, is much more than what was given in the five-year tenure of the APNU+AFC.

Dr Persaud told the House that pensioners not only benefitted from an increase in their pension, but are also benefitting from improvements in the methods through which they receive their pensions.

“There are so many alternatives… pension is deposited in the bank account in the first five days of every month; pension is also available through MMG and pension can be paid to pensioners every day of every month; a vast difference from what I inherited,” she added.

Dr Persaud said that the ministry has started and expanded its shut-in delivery, where pensioners who are bedridden or are unable to go to pick up their pensions could have same delivered to their homes.

She revealed that over 3,000 pensioners are benefiting from this, while there is also a direct delivery programme in the hinterland and remote areas.

As she spoke about the number of improvements that have occurred over the years since entering office, she indicated that this year a number of bills will be brought to the house.

These bills include the Family Violence Bill, which has benefitted from extensive consultation. It is expected to provide relief to those persons who seek protection under the justice system.
Additionally, the Harassment Bill is also another one that will be brought to the National Assembly, and a draft Gender Violence Policy will be completed this year.

“There is also going to be a policy that will be done this year on gender inclusion, and there are many more policies and legislations that will be coming to the floor of the House, which I hope you will support honourable members,” Dr Persaud added.

Another project mentioned by the minister was the revamping of the Sophia Care Centre, where which she said a new kitchen and dining facility will be built.

Additionally, she indicated that the government is also developing a model residential facility to the tune of $112 million for children living with disabilities, along with an entire facility for adults living with disabilities.

Further, the Mahaica Girls Home is also expected to undergo complete rehabilitation to the tune of $37 million, and the Juvenile Justice Processing Centre will be done at a cost of $63 million and will be based in Region Four to cater to the needs of juveniles.

The minister added: “The work that we do speaks for itself and I also believe that our young people should be very familiar with what this government is doing for them.”