Ministry of Human Services and Social Security

Government Ministers are only a conversation away from the people they serve, and Minister Vindhya Persaud continues to demonstrate this through her commitment to meeting citizens face-to-face and listening to their concerns.

After a busy month of ministerial engagements both overseas and across the regions, Minister Persaud resumed her Open Day on Tuesday at her office on East and Lamaha Streets. More than 100 persons came out to meet with her, each given the opportunity to share their concerns and receive guidance and support.

With her hands-on approach, and the assistance of ministry officers, a number of matters were addressed.

Minister Persaud’s Open Day continues to serve as an important avenue for persons to access help, seek clarity, and have their voices heard.

Calling all parents with children living with disabilities.

On Tuesday afternoon, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr Vindhya Persaud, received a courtesy visit from Dr Winston Assanah, who presented her with a copy of his newly published book.
Dr Assanah recently earned his doctorate and previously served as the facilitator for the Ministry's Family Enhancement Services Section (FESS) Male At-Risk Youth Programme.

The programme engaged young men through a series of interventions designed to address the impact of fatherlessness and promote positive male mentorship. The intervention formed part of Dr Assanah's doctoral research, of which inspired the publication of his book.

He expressed appreciation for the Ministry's ongoing efforts to support vulnerable youth and families and acknowledged the leadership of Minister Persaud in advancing programmes that promote positive social outcomes.

Minister Persaud congratulated Dr Assanah on his academic achievement and publication, commending his commitment to youth development and his contribution to research and advocacy in support of at-risk young men.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 (𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭) 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The S*xual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026 marks a historic milestone as Guyana introduces its first-ever s*x offenders registry, joining dozens of nations globally in deploying this critical public safety tool. Arriving more than 15 years after the principal 2010 S*xual Offences Act, these comprehensive amendments are designed to systematically correct the statutory gaps and operational deficiencies that existed in the previous legislation. The Bill benefits from multiple amendments of which the S*x Offenders Registry is only one. Overall, the amendments seek to strengthen protection for victims of s*xual offences, harmonise the procedures making it easier for cases of s*xual offences to be addressed by the courts, and significantly provides for “no statute of limitations”; no time limit to charge someone with this crime.

This landmark bill is the product of a proactive and inclusive national consultation. To ensure total transparency and maximum civic participation, the draft legislation was subjected to widespread in-person consultations and was hosted publicly on the official website of Ministry of Legal Affairs for two-years to facilitate public input and recommendations. The resulting framework deeply reflects the diverse perspectives of the public, including over 60 civil society bodies, the judiciary, legal professionals, prosecutors, police and faith-based organisations, honouring our citizenry's overwhelming demand for a registry and a stronger law, while maintaining a balanced, evidence-backed approach to risk management.

Crucially, on the question of the model of the registry to be used in the legislative framework, it is the widespread consultation that overwhelmingly advocated for the establishment of a closed model registry. As such, Guyana has adopted a closed registry model, an architecture that mirrors the legislative standard utilised by a majority of countries. In fact, numerous international jurisdictions have actively closed their previously open registries and transitioned to this exact model to eliminate the counterproductive impacts of public databases, such as driving offenders into hiding, inciting vigilantism, and causing damage to innocent family members, including children who may bear the devastating consequences like bullying, physical and ostracism because of someone else’s actions.

Should family members, especially children face these dire consequences simply because of their relation?
It is to guard against these unintended consequences that a penalty is imposed on those who make unauthorised disclosures.

Contrary to the misinformation that is circulating, this registry is accessible to the public through a procedure outlined in the legislation which requires an application to be made for the information on persons who are subjects of the registry.

Under the 2026 amendments, the registry is merely one component of a proactive tracking system: it establishes strict, lawful channels for stakeholders, such as parents, guardians, and care-adjacent employers to formally apply for and access vital safety information, while simultaneously imposing rigorous legal obligations on offenders to routinely check in with police and report all movements into and out of communities.

While this modernised legislation remains open to future refinement as society evolves, it represents a decisive advancement in protecting Guyanese communities and strengthening the rule of law.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to advance its mandate of protecting vulnerable individuals and families through strengthened prevention, public awareness, empowerment, and partnership-based approaches.

On Tuesday morning, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, met with Dr. Michelle S. Moseley of MSM Global and the Hope in Motion Diaspora Initiative at the Ministry’s office on East and Lamaha Streets to discuss Guyana’s National Action Plan for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons.

The meeting provided an opportunity to explore possible areas of collaboration between the Ministry and the Hope in Motion Diaspora Initiative, with a focus on strengthening and complementing ongoing national efforts to prevent trafficking in persons, address gender-based violence, enhance community education, and improve awareness of available referral and support services.

Also present at the meeting were Permanent Secretary, Dr. Erica Forte, and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration), Ms. Arianna Beharry.

Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, on Tuesday morning met with Mr. Necephor Mghendi, Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Delegation for the Dutch and English-Speaking Caribbean, during his official visit to Guyana.

Discussions focused on areas of mutual interest and opportunities for continued collaboration in advancing social protection, humanitarian initiatives, and support for vulnerable populations across Guyana.

Joining the Honourable Minister were Permanent Secretary, Dr. Erica Forte, and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration), Ms. Arianna Beharry, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships that contribute to the well-being and empowerment of all Guyanese.

A memorable evening of Opera at St. George’s Cathedral

Minister Vindhya Persaud joined her Cabinet colleagues on Monday evening at the St. George’s Cathedral for a night of opera presented by the Euro-Guyanese Classical Music and Opera Association.

The audience was treated to outstanding performances by renowned baritone Leonardo López Linares, sopranos Katusha Xu Fraser and Syesha Yahya, violinist Chie Clarke, oboist Cecilia Maragno, pianists Maria Rodriguez and Marilyn Dewar, as well as the talented Woodside Choir.

The evening was a beautiful celebration of music, culture, and international collaboration, highlighting the growing diversity and richness of Guyana’s cultural landscape.

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐖|

Are you a young, passionate individual eager to make a positive impact in Guyana? Do you want to collaborate with like-minded peers to drive meaningful change? If so, The Young Influencers Guyana invites you to apply to become a 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫!

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated young people from ages 15- 25 who are ready to contribute their skills, energy, and innovative ideas.

APPLY HERE - https://forms.gle/w3Cqjr47qZzcc25C8

Deadline for submissions: June 10th, 2026.

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤!

Meet Hon Dr Vindhya Persaud and connect directly with the Ministry’s team tomorrow at our 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 & 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟏:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐭𝐨 𝟒:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌.

Whether you need help with pension, public assistance, disability benefits, childcare and protection, or support services, our staff will be ready to assist.

Stop by, get the guidance you need, and let us serve you better.