– Minister Persaud reaffirms commitment during Region Two outreach

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Wednesday, assured residents of Region Two that her ministry remains committed to supporting elders, youths, entrepreneurs and persons living with disabilities, as she engaged community members during an outreach programme at the Anna Regina State House.
The open-day engagement formed part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to bring services directly to communities.
Dr. Persaud met with persons with disabilities, women’s and men’s groups, youth organisations and small entrepreneurs, addressing concerns related to public assistance, old-age pensions, permanent disability support, childcare services, skills training, business development, sexual offences and domestic violence.
“This outreach allows people to have one-on-one interactions with ministry officials so that their concerns can be addressed efficiently and without unnecessary delays,” Dr. Persaud said.
During the engagement, the minister highlighted initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, noting that several women in Region Two have benefitted from grants and training programmes.
She said beneficiaries included women who received training in childcare and early childhood development, as well as those who have launched small businesses such as stationery and service-based enterprises.
Dr. Persaud also outlined steps taken to ease access to social support, assuring residents that all eligible persons will receive their old-age pension and permanent disability books. She disclosed that the ministry has moved to have public assistance reviewed annually rather than every six months, reducing the administrative burden on recipients.
“So the books will be fully distributed in Region Two. Secondly, we are working on public assistance so that persons do not have to undergo reviews twice per year — in other words, a full-year book, making the process hassle-free. Remember, public assistance is temporary support,” the minister explained.
Persons living with permanent disabilities received wheelchairs and walking aids during the outreach, with Dr. Persaud noting that once requests were made, the items were issued immediately.
She added that individuals with disabilities who have undergone training are eligible to access the ministry’s revolving fund, which provides interest-free support for business development, repayable over a two-year period.
The minister also visited three women in the region who have successfully launched small initiatives with assistance from the ministry, describing these efforts as examples of how targeted support can promote self-reliance.
Addressing social issues, Dr. Persaud spoke on the recently enacted Family Violence Act, outlining the various forms of abuse covered under the legislation and encouraging victims to seek assistance.
She urged residents to enrol in ministry programmes and said officers are working to ensure seniors and persons with disabilities benefit from additional support, including the provision of essential supplies.
The outreach also allowed residents to interact with officers from Child Protection Services, Family Enhancement Services and survivor advocacy units through the ministry’s familiarisation programme.
One resident welcomed the engagement, saying, “We are so happy to meet with the Minister and express our concerns.”
Dr. Persaud concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Guyanese. She extended festive season greetings on behalf of President Irfaan Ali and expressed optimism that 2026 would bring accelerated progress and continued development.