The visit of Barbara Bringuier, a new impetus for “Les Petits Frères des Pauvres” in Guyana
Discover the commitment of the association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni through the visit this week of Barbara Bringuier, regional director for Overseas. Between institutional meetings and moments of discussion with elders, this visit marks a key step in the fight against the isolation of elderly people in Guyana.
“It is essential to see the ground”explains Barbara Bringuier, who supervises the association's actions on an international scale. The Saint-Laurent branch, opened last June, is the first in Guyana and marks an important step in the fight against the isolation of elderly people in this territory.
During her stay, the regional director increased the number of discussions. Among the key meetings, those with the director of the Saint-Laurent hospital and the director of the Communal Social Action Center (CCAS) were particularly fruitful.
The director of the Franck Joly hospital suggested that we sign an agreement and provide premises for the association. This represents a major advance
she rejoices. As for the CCAS, joint projects are already envisaged: “We want to organize activities to bring together independent people and those supported by the association, in order to pool our strengths.”
The head of the association also spent an afternoon with an isolated elder, sharing a warm moment around a game of dominoes. “These moments of life are precious and remind us why our mission is so important,” she emphasizes.
Precariousness remains one of the major challenges for the association in Guyana.
Many elderly people live in very difficult conditions, with little retirement and isolation worsened by distance.
notes Barbara Bringuier. Despite this, she notes promising dynamism in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: “The local team is super dynamic, with a real desire to change things.”
For the future, the association plans to structure its Guyanese branch and support more beneficiaries. “We also want to encourage interactions between the teams from Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint-Martin to share best practices,” she specifies.
Beyond Guyana, “The Little Brothers of the Poor” are investing in 24 countries around the world. The leader insists on the urgency of acting in the face of accelerated aging in overseas territories: “It is crucial to support the consequences of this phenomenon so that seniors are not marginalized.”
Before leaving, the regional director hopes to meet the mayor of Saint-Laurent and visit the Transportation camp. “I will return with memories, but above all with a better understanding of local realities to continue to support this unique branch in Guyana,” she concludes.
