Centre to reform deportees, drugaddicts commissioned in Berbice
The Transitional House ( TTH ) – a rehabilitation and reintegration centre – was on Wednesday commissioned at Lot 31 Penitentiary Walk, New Amsterdam, Berbice. Speaking at the ceremony, Trevor Thomas, Permanent Secretary in the
Human Services Ministry, said that ministry was very much involved in the centre’s formation, and is interested in working with people.
“We have been advocating the need to work with social partners, “Thomas, who spoke widely on the interventions of the ministry in assisting vulnerable groups countrywide, declared. He was high in praise of the centre for the work it has been doing, and stressed the need for the ministry’s partnership with responsible social groups. Also present at the ceremony was Reintegration Project Assistant, International Organization for Migration ( IOM ) Guyana, Jermaine Grant, who talked about the work of the agency he represents, and its partnership with TTH. The facility, founded and operated by a deportee, Eskar Adams, commenced its first programme at Essex Street, New Amsterdam in February 2008. Over that time, some 346 persons have been re- integrated into society, recovering from issues ranging from incarceration, and substance abuse, to domestic abuse.
The facility has dealt with more than 2,000 cases since it opened its doors to the public, with support coming from Help and Shelter and Comforting Hearts. Co- founder Karen Gomes, who is attached to Help and Shelter, plays a significant role in the operation of the institution.New Amsterdam businessman Ramesh Maraj donated a computer to the centre for the project, where school children would come for help with their assignments.
