THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has officially opened the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Mobile Remote Unit in Khan’s Hill, Mabaruma, Region One, on Monday.

This significant event underscores the ministry’s commitment to combating gender-based violence in remote and hinterland regions of Guyana.

The GBV Mobile Remote Unit aims to provide accessible and immediate support to survivors of gender-based violence in Mabaruma and surrounding areas. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to extend essential services to remote and indigenous communities, offering a comprehensive range of support under one roof. These services include:

Intervention services for all cases of gender-based violence, including first responders, survivor advocates, case reporting via police, and on-site medical assistance to ensure immediate care for survivors, counselling and psycho-social support to address trauma and promote healing and legal support and advocacy to help survivors.

Community education and awareness programmes to prevent GBV and promote gender equality.

This model mirrors the newly operational Hope and Justice Centre in Region Four, which also provides all services for survivors of violence, both adults and children, under one roof. Additionally, the Ministry will offer services catering to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and general welfare.

Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud emphasised the ministry’s unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence. “The GBV Mobile Remote Unit is a testament to our dedication to reaching every corner of our country, ensuring that no one is left behind in our fight against this scourge. Accessibility and inclusivity are hallmarks of the MHSSS service provision,” said Dr. Persaud. She also highlighted the integration of lessons from the Spotlight Initiative with the Ministry’s own programmes to create a robust framework for combating GBV and supporting survivors.

EU Ambassador, Rene Van Ness, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting projects of this nature, while UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Yesim Oruc, praised the Ministry for its achievements. Mr. Adler Bynoe provided a comprehensive overview of the unit’s purpose, emphasising its role in offering mobile services.

The event was chaired by Dr. Cona Husbands, Head of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit of the Human Services Ministry.

The GBV Mobile Remote Unit is expected to: Improve reporting and response to incidents of gender-based violence; enhance the support network for survivors, fostering a safer and more supportive community; increase awareness and education on GBV prevention and response, leading to a cultural shift towards gender equality.

As the GBV Mobile Remote Unit begins its operations, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, along with its partners, remains dedicated to monitoring its impact and effectiveness.

This initiative serves as a model for combating gender-based violence across Guyana and beyond, following the commissioning of the Hope and Justice Centre in Region Four in January 2024, with another center planned for Region Three shortly.

The recent opening ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud; EU Ambassador, Mr. Rene Van Nes; UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Yesim Oruc; UNFPA Liaison Officer for Guyana, Mr. Adler Bynoe; Director of Social Services, Mrs. Abike Samuels; Director of Child Care, Ms. Levine Gouveia; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Arianna Beharry; Region One REO, Mr. Seewchan; Deputy REO, Mr. Cuffy; Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley; community members, NGOs, and other stakeholders.