By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security successfully hosted its flagship Family Support and Wellness Fair at the Umana Yana in Kingston on Friday, May 15, 2026. The event, held in observance of National Family Month, brought together various state agencies and support groups to serve as a centralized hub of resources to empower Guyanese households.
The fair was designed to offer families direct access to counseling, economic support systems, and wellness resources to help strengthen relationships and foster healthier communities.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, emphasized that the home serves as a child’s very first classroom, clinic, and sanctuary. She noted that while the traditional definition of family has evolved over the years, its role as the fundamental bedrock of society remains unchanged.
“The strength of our nation lies in our homes, and that strength will always be family,” Dr. Persaud told the gathering. “If homes are stable, Guyana becomes even stronger. When families thrive, Guyana will always prosper.”
Acknowledging the harsh economic and social realities that strain modern households, the Minister reiterated that her ministry’s diverse programs are specifically geared to help families navigate crises they cannot handle alone.
The event operated under the poignant theme: “Repair, Rebuild, and Strengthen.” Wanita Peniston, Manager of the Family Support Service Unit at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), reminded attendees that families are where children first internalize values, love, resilience, and a sense of responsibility.
“Families sometimes have challenges, and during those challenges is when our relationships as a family are strained,” Peniston observed, noting that the fair was structured to provide concrete tools to help households heal from past hardships.
A major highlight of the fair was an interactive, custom-built exhibition. Cardel Hunte, Victims’ Advocate Coordinator, explained that organizers created a unique walkthrough model house designed to intentionally mirror the various facets of everyday family life.
“Our unique walkthrough model house was intentionally designed to reflect the many areas of family life,” Hunte stated. He explained that by walking through the simulated home environment, families could practically engage with representatives from participating agencies and access support networks tailored to conflict resolution, mental wellness, and communication.
Hunte concluded that homes are fundamentally strengthened when families feel supported by their wider community, urging citizens to continue building connections long after the month’s observances conclude.
