In a significant step toward strengthening support services for men and young people, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security officially opened its first-ever BRAVE Centre in Region Three on Tuesday.
This new centre, located in the West Central Mall in Leonora, is poised to be a safe and supportive space where men and youths can access vital services, express themselves freely, and receive guidance without judgment.
The space is a collaboration between the Ministry and the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. To solidify this partnership, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the opening ceremony, outlining mutual responsibilities and agreeing to waive the rental fee for the centre’s operations during its first year.
The centre will operate under the Ministry’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DPVU) and Family Enhancement Services Section (FESS), offering a range of services tailored to support men and youths with emotional healing, personal development, and accountability.
While delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said that the centre’s main purpose is to positively impact lives without labeling anyone.
“The BRAVE Centre was born out of a deep sense of fear, compassion, and a desire to truly make a difference in people’s lives,” the Minister said.
She stressed the importance of investing in the nation’s youth, especially in areas like mental and emotional well-being.
“The young people who will come here include some of the men we hope to reach. We do not see our young people as tomorrow’s promise; we see them as our now. And as such, we must invest in them, not just financially, but in deeper ways, like their mental health and emotional stability,” Minister Persaud stated.
To date, the Ministry has established 10 youth hubs across the country, providing safe, supportive spaces where young people can freely express themselves and access the help they need.
Additionally, shifting her focus to men, the Minister clarified that the BRAVE Centre is not about stereotyping, but about creating a space where men are heard, supported, and empowered.
“We need to let men feel that they’re not always being judged by us. But at the same time, the BRAVE Centre encourages men to embrace responsibility and accountability for their actions. The Centre is designed to support men in redefining themselves,” Minister Persaud pointed out.
The opening of the BRAVE Centre follows the recent launch of the Ministry’s men’s policy, called “Bridging the Gap”, aimed at engaging more men and boys in the national conversation around gender-based violence and promoting preventative approaches to healing and change.
Minister Persaud also expressed deep appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce for their support, describing the partnership as instrumental in making the initiative possible.
Among those in attendance were Regional Vice Chairman, Omesh Satyanand, and Managing Director of the mall and the Chamber’s President, Bhabita Albert.
(Release from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security)
