DURING the 2014 National Budget presentation, the Government announced provision of a 50% increase in electricity subsidy to pensioners; and, to date, some 8,128 pensioners are benefiting from this intervention.

Figures released by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security detail that those benefiting include pensioners from Regions, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
In Region 2, a total of 1022 persons are benefiting; Region 3 has 1104 beneficiaries; Region 4 has 3421; Region 5 has 780; Region 6 has 1681; and Region 7 has 120 beneficiaries making a total of 8128 pensioners benefiting from this intervention.
In total, $300M have been allocated in the National Budget for this programme, which was implemented in 2013 and saw pensioners receiving an annual contribution of $20,000, once they are customers of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).

This year, the value of this electricity assistance programme has been increased to $30,000 per annum for each eligible beneficiary.

Over the years, a large portion of the budget has been going towards the social sector with the aim of improving the quality of life for Guyanese of all ages.

In addition, this year’s old age pension has been increased by 5 percent with effect from May 1, 2014, bringing the amount payable to $13,125 monthly. This increase has resulted in a total of $212.5M in additional disposable income being placed in the hands of 42,500 senior citizens.

However, for this year, there has been an increase in the number of persons reaching the age of 65 and becoming eligible for old age pension. According to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, 3000 additional persons have now become eligible for pension thus far for 2014.

Meanwhile, pensioners continue to benefit from the other services provided by the Social Security Ministry, including continuous training for patient care assistants in both private and Government-owned homes, and improving the standard of care being offered at the Palms Institution with the view to establishing best practices to be used by all private homes.

In addition, having recognised that Government’s initiatives must go beyond financial assistance for the elderly, another priority area for 2014 is addressing the psycho-social needs of the elderly.
Centres for the elderly will be established in various communities in order to ensure senior citizens are engaged in activities that promote their physical and mental health.