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Minister Persaud Highlights Guyana’s People-Centred Approach to Good Governance at 153rd IPU Assembly

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ARUSHA, TANZANIA - Minister of Human Services and Social Security Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud highlighted Guyana’s people-centred approach to governance and the important role of Parliament in ensuring accountability, inclusion and citizen participation while addressing the General Debate of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Speaking under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all,” Minister Persaud stated that good governance positively affects citizens’ daily lives through the opportunities it creates, the protection of rights, and accountable and transparent systems supported by data-driven policies and legislation.

“In Guyana, we bring Government closer to people - from our coastal villages to Indigenous and riverain communities,” Minister Persaud said, noting that citizens engage directly with the President and Cabinet in communities across the country and through digital platforms to address concerns and improve accountability.

She explained that this inclusive approach supports meaningful participation by young people, women, persons living with disabilities, the private sector and civil society organisations. Minister Persaud highlighted the National Toshaos Council, which brings together leaders from Guyana’s 253 Amerindian villages with the President and Cabinet for discussions on issues affecting Indigenous communities, including the allocation of 15% of revenues from carbon credits under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

“The Government of Guyana’s purpose is clear: every citizen must share in Guyana’s progress,” Minister Persaud stated. She outlined several initiatives undertaken by the Government, including housing support for more than 53,000 families, free university education, technical and vocational training and scholarships for approximately 30,000 persons, expanded healthcare services, socio-economic support for vulnerable groups, investments in digital connectivity and major infrastructure development.

Minister Persaud emphasised that Parliament remains central to Guyana’s governance framework by ensuring that diverse voices contribute to legislation and national policy. She noted that Parliament engages citizens through nationwide consultations and its committee system, which extends participation beyond the Chamber.

National consultations have informed legislation on matters such as Family Violence, Local Content, Electronic Communications and Transactions, the Natural Resources Fund and the Gaming Authority Bill. The Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, 2026, has been referred to a Special Select Committee for further discussion.

Minister Persaud highlighted the work of the Public Accounts Committee and the four parliamentary sectoral committees - Economic Services, Social Services, Natural Resources and Foreign Relations - which allow stakeholders and members of the public to contribute evidence and perspectives on issues of national importance.

She also underscored Guyana’s efforts to engage young people in democratic processes through initiatives such as the Youth Parliament and Speaker’s Debates, which provide opportunities for leadership development and practical exposure to parliamentary proceedings.

In concluding, Minister Persaud encouraged greater cooperation among Parliaments, particularly in the areas of inclusive finance and accessible digital governance, while safeguarding privacy and public accountability.

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