Budget 2022 to see vulnerable persons benefiting extensively

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry assured that citizens, young and old can look
forward to new and improved services with the recent budgetary allocation of $30B.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindya Persaud, gave the assurance during
the second day of the budget debate at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on
Tuesday. “The facets of the budget integrate and interlock to provide a holistic, comprehensive
approach to families across the country,” Dr Persaud noted that the budget speaks of
resoluteness, and steadfastness. The minister stressed that the allocation will be utilised to
improve the various departments within the Human Services Ministry, to enhance the livelihood
of citizens.
Old Age Pension
Minister Persaud pointed out that the government’s first term in office, old age pension was
increased by 37 per cent, from $20,500 to $25,000. This, she said it is set to be further increased
to $28,000, placing a sum of $2.3B in the hands of senior citizens countrywide. Dr. Persaud, went
on to note that the government’s dedication to incrementally increasing pension. “We are
committed to consistently increasing that pension until pensioners are at the point as promised
by the manifesto,” she assured. The minister stressed further that to assist old age pensioners,
the human services ministry ensured the elderly nationwide, received their pension books early.
This will enable pensioners to uplift their yearly booklets every six months.  She noted that in
addition, pension payments can now be made at a number of alternate venues to avoid senior
citizens joining long lines.
Training
The minister disclosed that from budget 2022, a sum of $172M will be expended to provide
training programmes for women and men to build the country’s human resource. The, ministry
will train 4,000 women, providing them with the skills to cope with the demands of a growing
economy, while bridging the gaps of gender equality. Dr. Persaud assured that to further bring
this into fruition, the ministry commissioned the expansion of the Guyana Women’s Leadership
Institute (GWLI) to offer culinary skills training creating more jobs for women. She revealed
that the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) has already enabled the
upskilling of 2,170 women in diverse, technical, vocational and information communication
technology (ICT) programmes in every region.
Vulnerable Persons
She pointed out that with the budgetary allocation, persons will benefit from a public assistance
increase amounting to some $385M. She assured that persons living with disability will receive
training from an all-inclusive training facility within the first half of the year. As such, she said

that a facility which caters to the needs of persons with special needs will commence
construction soon. The institution will create a safe environment for children and young adults.
Additionally, the Sophia drop-in centre is undergoing construction to include a new kitchen
facility, dining hall and recreational hall for children to the tune of $38M. The minister added
that they will continue to focus on eliminating gender-based violence in collaboration with the
Home Affairs Ministry.