Minister Persaud declares that improving Childcare is a priority

Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud held an informal engagement with the
Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) officers yesterday.
It was noted that the discussions centered around resolving the challenges that are peculiar to the
Regions and the way forward for the Ministry and CPA both structurally and policy-wise to
make the system more efficient and effective. Dr. Persaud stressed that it was a good time and
the perfect opportunity to have these discussions on how the services can be better while
committing to supporting and facilitating the development of this sector and stated, “we are
working on avenues on how we can improve the system…”
“I believe one thing that should propel us forward and that should continue to motivate us and
energize us is our passion and love for children. Love for children can never be manufactured,
love for children has to come from deep within,” Dr. Persaud said The Minister pointed out that
her Ministry is working increasing shelters for children in the Hinterland Region as well as the
amplified approach to partnering with the community through the ‘Every child safe’ campaign.
Meanwhile, Minister Persaud praised the efforts of CPA Director, Ann Greene for her
stewardship and dedication, not only with leadership but her passion and drive.
She said that recognizing that mental health is a challenge, the minister disclosed that there will
be an agreement inked to provide free counseling to the officers. “If you feel challenged and
pressured to the extent that your mental health is affected, do not be afraid to reach out and ask
for this service, in the world we live in, if we do not take care of ourselves, no one will but in this
ministry, we will, we want to ensure that this is offered to you for you,” Minister Persaud noted.
Dr. Persaud pointed out that discussions are already in place between Permanent Secretary,
Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and Principal Personnel Officer, Rafael Boodhoo to address staffing
issues.
She said that with nine Masters of Social Work graduates, she expressed her delight in hearing
about their upward mobility in academia, with a pledge to see as much as possible they can be
best utilized and contribute more towards childcare development. Greene disclosed that while the
entity moved from its establishment in 2009 with a director and four borrowed social work
officers to now having 180 staff and seven units, it is still evolving.

Director Greene noted that with much certainty that the childcare officers were the hardest social
workers and was met with an arousing round of applause. With over 50 years in the public
service, Greene pointed out that having certificates does not make you qualified but rather the
experience and passion. She admitted that improvements are always needed and officers should
be cognizant of their responsibilities to the child. Greene appealed to them to be solutions-based
and results oriented with planning and time management key pillars of their modus operandi.
Presentations, strategies and data came from each region, the Family Court Unit, Early
Childhood Development Unit, Adoption, Foster Care and Family Support Services Units.
Manager of Childhood Development, Comcheeta Gray disclosed that her issues were addressed
by the honorable Minister. “I think the Minister is very much into early childhood and yes I think

our issues and concerns were resolved,” Gray said. “The interaction with the honorable Minister,
Dr. Vindhya Persaud was an excellent one. We believe that is a forum where officers can contact
the Minister directly and properly engage her and she is clearer on some of the issues we have at
the Child Care and Protection Agency and we have already started to come up with ideas and
initiatives on how we can better improve our services so I believe this is a great one,” Kaycina
Jadrine, Manager of Adoption Services declared.