Hugo Chávez Centre to be operational month-end

GEORGETOWN: Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster has said that with all systems in place and the final approval given, the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration should begin operations by month-end.

Minister Webster said the Ministry is currently awaiting approval from Government to hire 10 orderlies for the centre located at Onverwagt Village, West Coast Berbice.

She noted that operations cannot commence without the presence of those individuals. She related too that the Ministry was able to appoint an administrator, and as soon as further approval is given by Government – which she hopes could happen by month-end – the 80 persons identified will be able to move into the centre.

Minister Webster said her Ministry was able to work along with the Health Ministry to evaluate the persons identified. That process has been completed and each prospective resident has a personal file, she explained.

She said too that some remedial modifications are currently ongoing and will soon be completed.

Homeless persons from across Guyana will be housed at the centre, which has separate dorm for males and females, a kitchen, recreational, medical, training and dining facilities and conference rooms.

The centre has the capacity to hold 200 males and 100 females and stands on 7.30 acres of land.  Some of the land has been set aside for residents to engage in agriculture.

Construction on the $402.8 million facility, a gift from the Venezuelan Government to the people of Guyana, began in January 2010.

Guyana shares a friendly relationship with its western neighbour at the bilateral level and through the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

Meanwhile, Minister Webster was unable to give this publication an update on the Soup Kitchen initiative. Sources within the Bakewell Group of Companies had earlier this year informed this publication that they were still awaiting a meeting with the Human Services Ministry before the project could begin.

But when asked about this, Minister Webster said she was unable to provide any information.

The source related that after the death of Nasir in October 2012, construction on the building came to a standstill since the family was in mourning. The kitchen was scheduled to be opened since August 2011.

The Human Services Ministry has collaborated with the management of Bakewell to construct the facility in Brickdam, next to the Palms.

The kitchen is aimed at providing free daily meals between 11:00h and 15:00h for 2500 persons, including persons who may find themselves displaced and on the streets.

It is expected that beneficiaries will also have access to bathroom and shower facilities, personal assistance, and a fresh change of clothing.