- compliments of the British High Commission
THE British High Commission yesterday handed over a system designed to improve online communications at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to help build capacity for its ‘Stamp it out’ campaign aimed at helping to stop violence against women.
British High Commissioner, Mr. Fraser Wheeler, said the system falls under a three-phase programme. The first was to provide online communication within the Ministry’s main office. Phase two which is being installed caters for the inclusion of subsidiary offices in Georgetown, and phase three which the High Commission will also be supporting, is to provide online links to offices in the other administrative regions. He pledged that the assistance would go further if requested by the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand.

When completed the system would enable the minister to communicate via e-mail, use the internet to have voice or video conferences and send documents electronically.

In February this year, the High Commission lent support to the ‘Stamp it out’ initiative by providing the services of retired British Judge John Sessions whose input contributed to the efforts of the ministry to reform legislation on domestic violence and violence against women. Also coming out of that visit is that two Guyanese judges will attend Serious Sexual Offences training in London in July.

According to the High Commissioner, the issues of violence against women, and vocational training in vulnerable communities, both of which the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is working on, illustrate the cross-cutting nature of crime and security issues across government. “We remain ready to support the government to develop and implement a comprehensive policy framework to tackle crime and security in Guyana once and for all,” the High Commissioner said.

The minister was high in her praise for the High Commission, which she described as ‘pro-active’ in its approach to offer help.

In expressing her appreciation for the donation, Ms. Manickchand offered that the system is incredible, useful, and time saving.

Prior to its installation, a lot of time was taken up by the minister and her staff having to go to each other’s offices.

The minister also noted the contribution made by Retired British Judge John Sessions.