SIMAP criticised at budget debate
THE Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) has been labelled a "political crony" by the People's National Congress (PNC). The state entity was up for stiff criticism from PNC member, Mrs Volda Lawrence at Tuesday's budget debate session. She told the National Assembly that SIMAP, apart from being influenced by the Government, produces end results that leave much to be desired. Lawrence claimed that SIMAP has serious administrative problems and needs to demonstrate more professionalism and operate without political interference. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Mrs Indra Chandarpal in her rebuttal, acknowledged that there were problems at SIMAP but said the organisation has a Board of Directors which ought to address those issues. The PNC member also raised issues concerning the increase in suicides, unemployment, juvenile crime, drug abuse, the disabled and the elderly. Lawrence said Amerindian youngsters are being sent to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), where boys and girls endure corporal punishment. She claimed the NOC becomes the "Hilton" for those who have the monetary ability or "friends in high places". "It is a clear indication that children in Guyana under this administration are non-persons," she said. Lawrence called for an update on progress made in the school's welfare programme, the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, the night shelter and Family Court. Responding, Minister Chandarpal said more scope is to be given for the delivery of social services to Guyanese. The Ministry of Human Services, in collaboration with other stakeholders, last year launched a Committee to plan programmes for older persons and involve as many regions as possible in giving hope to the elderly, the Minister reported. Between April and June, 1999 the first module involving the training of care-givers in homes for the elderly was undertaken with participants from Regions Three, Four, Six, Seven and Ten. Other modules are envisaged for year 2000 and onwards. The Minister referred issues concerning the NOC to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. On the issue of disabled persons, she said the National Commission on the Elderly has been encouraging persons to erect facilities in buildings for disabled persons. There have been ongoing activities for the elderly, meetings with care-workers at homes for the elderly, visits to private homes for the elderly and destitute, intervention for public assistance, old age pensions, and a review of public assistance beneficiaries. Minister Chandarpal said 39,597 persons are now receiving old age pensions while 14,568 get public assistance. She added that work has begun on the completion of the night shelter for destitute people. The project was stalled by the executing contractor. The shelter, the Minister said, will cater for 200 persons on any given night. Street persons will be given clothing, a hot meal, and social workers will assist in rehabilitating them. The Minister said $6M from the Lottery Fund was allocated to Help and Shelter to aid in the construction of the group's shelter for battered women. Other progress made by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security include: ** The National Commission on the Family which was launched on October 23, 1998, with a focus on the emotional, education, guidance and health aspect of the family. ** The development of a Family Court for Guyana to offer a holistic approach to problems within the family, and to initiate legislation to support and strengthen the family. ** The National Commission on the Rights of the Child embarked on a number of activities in 1999 aimed at raising the awareness on the Rights of the Child. These included the distribution of flyers, television programmes and a festival of children's art and poetry which attracted more than 800 children from all regions. ** A Millennium Monument was erected, this year, in the National Park, dedicated to the children of Guyana. The monument is the first of its kind in among CARICOM member states. ** In February/March, a small scale survey on school drop-outs was conducted in Laluni, Santa Mission and the Diamond Squatting area. As a follow up action, the Ministry of Human Services and the Education Ministry have appointed a school welfare liaison officer, who has responsibility for revamping social welfare services and establishing a system to ensure regular attendance at schools. ** Some 65 Community Counselling Centres are to be formed in all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to deal with issues such as suicide. In addition, Minister Chandarpal said, some 500 women are expected to graduate this year from the Women's Leadership Institute, where computer skills and other courses are being taught. (SHARON LALL)
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