HIGHLIGHTING the need for building stronger communities, creating equal opportunities, and ensuring that no one is left behind, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, represented Guyana at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.
Delivering Guyana’s presentation during the General Debate, held under the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all,” Minister Persaud joined parliamentarians from around the globe to share national experiences, exchange ideas and explore collective solutions to common challenges.
Representing Guyana on the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians, Minister Persaud also participated in discussions focused on strengthening women’s leadership, representation, and participation in decision-making.
Expressing her thanks to the President and people of Tanzania, the minister stressed that governance positively impacts people’s daily lives, creates opportunities, inspires trust and protects rights and access to justice through accountable and transparent systems that are governed by data-driven policies and comprehensive legislation.
Dr Persaud said, “In Guyana, we bring government closer to people, as every day, people connect with their president and cabinet from our coastal villages to indigenous and riverine communities. Government also receives citizens’ feedback on digital platforms to resolve their daily frustrations, making all processes more accountable.”
She related that this climate of inclusivity and accessibility supports meaningful participation at all levels of national conversation and decision-making, involving young people, women, people with disabilities, the private sector and civil society, including faith-based and non-governmental organisations.
Additionally, she mentioned the annual National Toshao Council, which brings together leaders of 253 Indigenous villages for close discussions with the President and cabinet on their governmental priorities including allocation of 15 per cent of revenue from Guyana’s carbon credit sales towards their economies, which are self-governed.
She related that the Government of Guyana’s purpose is clear: Every citizen must share in Guyana’s progress.
Dr Persaud disclosed that Guyana’s government has achieved remarkable people-centred development, mentioning housing for 53,000 families, free university education, technical vocational training and scholarship for thousands, free tele-medicine and robotic surgery in healthcare; expanded socioeconomic support for senior citizens, vulnerable populations, and people with disabilities. Connectivity and innovation in digital technology. New infrastructure and roadways, improving access to services and markets.
The minister said Parliament’s accountability framework facilitates direct engagement with the people of Guyana through countrywide consultations. In addition to Guyana’s parliamentary committee system, national consultations across Guyana contribute to several critical pieces of legislation.
“Our Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance has strengthened transparency in anti-corruption efforts by coordinating government accountability work, supporting oversight institutions, and monitoring the country’s international anti-corruption commitments,” Dr Persaud said adding, “Guyana’s parliamentary commitment includes the Committees of Public Accounts, four parliamentary sectoral committees that scrutinise government policies and administration, and there are stakeholders and members of the public who can come to these committees to bring evidence and statements.”
She noted that Guyana commends the IPU and recommends that it strengthens co-operation with regards to inclusive finance, and an accessible digital governance, allowing both countries to share effective approaches, while protecting privacy and public accountability.
