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More work needed to deal with the mentally ill, homeless

Aug 07, 2016 News

A part of the National Taskforce Commission’s mandate is to look into matters relating to welfare management of the homeless, addicted and mentally challenged within Guyana. According to Chairman of the NTFC, Major General Joe Singh, there needs to be greater traction within the remaining third and fourth quarters of the year.
He said that the Commission will have to work along with the Ministry of Social Protection and the other social organisations to deal with in a very caring and welfare oriented way with the homeless, the mentally challenged and the addicted.
He said that the government has at its disposal the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice and the Night Shelter.
To facilitate the collaborative approach to deal with this issue, the Taskforce had instituted a Welfare Management Committee. The Committee will comprise members from the Ministry of Social Protection, Public Health, Public Security, Agriculture and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.
According to Maj. Gen Singh, in the area of caring for the homeless and addicted there are inadequate or non-existent facilities.
It was reported that the Hugo Chavez Centre is underutilized when one considers the number of persons it serves. Last year August Singh had reported that the institution has the capacity to house 300 persons but usually only has 25 to 30 occupants.
The construction of the Hugo Chavez Centre was funded by the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela. It was first opened in August 2013. The Venezuelan government provided US$2 million towards its construction and the Government of Guyana injecting $100 million.
The facility can house 100 males and 80 females. It contains medical, recreational, kitchen, conference, training and dining facilities. However, those who can utilize these amenities have either not been given the chance or have refused.
The work of the welfare committee will target reducing and further eliminating the presence of persons roaming the streets aimlessly who are not being cared for.
Singh said that much work was done during the May 2016 Jubilee Celebration but stressed that such efforts should not just be event oriented. He said that the commission wishes to see a general upgrading, not just of the physical infrastructure but the moral imperative, being able to set examples for the younger generation.

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