-by Kimberly Giddings
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud said many parents, especially mothers, have had to postpone their studies or delay entering the workforce because they lacked access to reliable childcare options.
Dr. Persaud said the investment will support the establishment of home and community-based childcare centers in communities across all 10 administrative regions. She explained that the initiative includes training childcare providers and supporting them in creating a safe, child-friendly environment where children can learn, play, and develop while parents have peace of mind.
She added that the government will also partner with individuals who have suitable spaces by assisting them in upgrading their facilities to meet the required standards for early childhood care.
“We can help you to furnish and equip it. We can help you to have the technical support you need to start, sustain, and expand.And we definitely want to see you provide affordable care to the parents who will come to you. I say affordable care because the one request the government has is when we co-invest with you, your service should be accessible to all,” she said.
More than 700 people have already registered for the initiative, including 718 individual applicants as well as representatives from NGOs, faith-based organisations, and community groups. Minister Persaud said the program aims to build communities that are more responsive to children’s need while addressing social challenges. She added that the ministry’s early childhood development program goes beyond childcare by promoting positive parenting and strengthening family support systems.
“Parenting is crucial in every child’s life.Whether you have one parent, both parents, grandparents, or caregivers, it is still parenting. It is still raising a child or children. And we have to ensure that everyone assumes collective responsibility so that we can eradicate the negatives like child abuse. I want to say the Child Protection Act provides for prosecution in all cases of child abuse. And I also want to say we will be relentless,” she underscored.
Minister Persaud urged caregivers and childcare practitioners to remain vigilant in protecting children by learning to recognise the signs of abuse and reporting suspected cases, noting that child abuse is a reportable offense.
She said creating a safe environment for children requires a collective effort, encouraging caregivers to become trusted adults whom children can confide in while ensuring that their safety and well-being remain the top priority.