– Minister Persaud Outlines Major Rehabilitation Plans for Other Human Services Facilities
During the 2026 Budget Considerations of Estimates and Expenditure in Parliament, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, announced that the ministry is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of multiple facilities in need of rehabilitation, with a total cost of $47 million.
Among the facilities identified for major renovation is the Palms Geriatric Home, which will mark its 150th anniversary this year.
Minister Persaud stated that, while the ministry has already expended significant sums to maintain the ageing structure, given its constant need for repairs, further remedial works are planned at the budgeted amount of $18M.
These include refurbishing washroom facilities, replacing damaged floor tiles, undertaking pipe and plumbing repairs across several blocks, installing new windows and doors where necessary, and upgrading the obsolete electrical wiring system.
She further indicated that the ministry is also considering upgrades to the kitchen facilities at the Palms, in addition to addressing outstanding carpentry and plumbing issues at the institution.
“Over the previous years, we would have spent on maintenance and capital a total of $91M, and so we are looking at $18M for this year.
A lot of work will be done on the Palms Geriatric Home. Last year, we spent a significant amount of money there; the Palms is 150 years old this year.
So, it is a very, very old building, and it constantly requires work,” the minister stated.
Moreover, Minister Persaud stated that the Night Shelter is among the additional facilities earmarked for rehabilitation works.
Reflecting on the condition of the shelter in 2020, when her administration assumed office, the minister described it as deplorable.
She noted that between 2020 and 2025, the ministry undertook significant interventions to improve and restore the facility.
According to Minister Persaud, “We cannot keep people who are indigent or homeless in conditions that are not suitable…so we will continue to do work on the Night Shelter. We have invested in improving overall, but we are looking at ceilings, walls, floorings, repairs to wiring [etc.].”
In addition, the minister stated that rehabilitation work is also being considered for the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, an old yet architecturally beautiful building.
She noted that, similar to the Night Shelter, substantial restoration efforts have already been undertaken from 2020 to 2025 at the institute; however, much work remains to be done.
Minister Persaud said, “Another old but beautiful building. From 2020 to 2025, significant restoration would have been done there, and there is still more to be done.
Again, because of the age of the building…while we are modernising some aspects, we want to preserve other aspects of the buildings.”
The minister further stated that maintenance works at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute will include repairs and repainting of the walls, ceilings, floors, wiring, washrooms, plumbing and stairs, as well as both internal and external repairs and room renovations.
She added that plans are underway to establish a garment laboratory at the facility, in addition to modernising and upgrading some existing rooms and the training hall.
Furthermore, Minister Persaud explained that one of the principal facilities located at Cornhill and Water Street, which delivers critical services to pensioners and individuals living with disabilities, is slated for rehabilitation work.
She noted that the building in question is quite old and in need of significant repairs, including work on the ceiling and roof, wallboards, leakage issues, replacement of damaged windows and doors, the outdated wiring system, and repainting.
Minister Persaud explained that, although some units within the building have already been expanded, plans are in place to install two additional units: one dedicated specifically to senior citizens and another designed to serve individuals living with disabilities.
While outlining the ministry’s plans for the building and the individuals who benefit from its services, the minister also emphasised that attention is being given to the working conditions of the staff.
Minister Persaud also highlighted the need for improvements, particularly the provision of adequate toilet facilities, which she described as a significant and ongoing challenge.
Additionally, the Human Services Minister highlighted that several other offices and buildings across the regions will also undergo rehabilitation.
She indicated that planned repairs include work at the probation office in Enmore, the residential facilities at the Mahaica Hospital compound, the Hope and Justice Centre in Region Four, the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, and the Fort Wellington Probation Office, among others.
She emphasised that these facilities will receive significant attention from the ministry.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s ongoing endeavour to modernise and rejuvenate critical facilities across Guyana is reflected in the planned interventions.
A more comprehensive commitment to enhancing the quality of care and services available to vulnerable populations, women, children, and senior citizens is emphasised by the 2026 Budget Considerations’ allocations.
