‘Womb to tomb’ service highlighted as social workers honoured

­Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud on Saturday praised Guyana’s social workers for their service and resilience over the past year, saying their work remains central to child protection, elder care and family support as demand for assistance grows.

Persaud, speaking at the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers’ second annual gala and awards ceremony at Cara Lodge, said the profession continues to “touch lives from the womb to the tomb” and must adapt to emerging issues including mental health pressures, digital violence and changing gender dynamics.

“As a social worker, your task is not to do what you learned 20 years ago. Your task is to re-educate, reimagine and reconnect,” she said.

The minister urged adherence to professional ethics as workers upgrade their training and careers. She also reaffirmed plans to take the Social Work Bill to Parliament and said an expanded paraprofessional programme will widen opportunities for new entrants, particularly from hinterland and rural areas.

Persaud congratulated award recipients and credited the Association with strengthening standards in the field.