– as smooth, timely distribution process of pension books continues
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security Ms Priya Manickchand yesterday interacted with pensioners at two locations in the City where old age pension books were being distributed.

Scores of persons turned up at the East Georgetown Sunnatul masjid at Omai and Sachibazar Streets, Prashad Nagar; and at the Health Centre in Festival City, North Ruimveldt.

At both locations, Minister Manickchand stressed the need for a proper seating arrangement to be in place for the elderly and other arrangements were subsequently made by her staff members to properly accommodate the pensioners.

At the Health Center, the Minister told pensioners that her Ministry was glad to be issuing next year’s pension books at this time.

She explained that if the Ministry chose to start the distribution process in January, as was done in previous years, many would have received their books until March or April of next year.

After being invited to voice their concerns, one pensioner recommended that a numbering system be established so that the distribution process can go smoothly but Minister Manickchand responded that more staff would be needed to facilitate this.

For next year however, she told him that the Ministry would look into establishing such a system if persons would be willing to volunteer.

In the meanwhile, she urged the pensioners not to “poke the line” but to cooperate with the officers.

Another pensioner said he would appreciate if the current pension amount can be increased and many of his peers evidently agreed with him.

Minister Manickchand responded that just as pensioners have rights to inform Government of what they desire, Government has a duty to give what it can.

“Remember, it is 42,000 persons receiving pension and when we multiply it, we are paying over $200M monthly,” minister Manickchand explained.

“When we give pensions, we still have to give public assistance, uniform for children, maintain centers and build roads and schools, all from one budget. While we would like to give you much more, we have to do what our budget allows us to do. Why would we not want to give you more?” she continued.

Manickchand also pointed out that in 2007, President Bharrat Jagdeo announced a large jump of 63 per cent which almost doubled the amount that they were receiving and in 2008, pensioners again saw a five per cent increase.

She further pointed out that pensioners can also benefit from a water waiver in that, if they have a meter in their name, they can receive relief to approximately $11,000 per month.

She advised that, should their water bills exceed that amount, other members of the household should assist in meeting the total.

Minister Manickchand also recalled that, before the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) came into Government, a ‘Means Test’ was done to see if elderly persons had a house, National Insurance Scheme (NIS), children who are employed, a husband or wife, et cetera; and if it was found that they were in possession of any of these, she said they would have been disqualified from receiving the monthly assistance.

At present, however, Manickchand said giving pensions is just a way of thanking senior citizens for serving Guyana well. “We want to make you as comfortable as we can by giving you our contribution. You only had to turn 65-years-old and live in Guyana for two years to benefit from this scheme.”

She urged the pensioners to keep in check with the radio, television and newspapers to know if there will be an increase in the pension amount, which will be made known in a few weeks time.

Manickchand also told the pensioners that it is vital for them to walk with their old Identification Cards (ID) even after collecting their new ones or they would not be able to cash their cheques.

She explained that the Ministry has in its system only the pensioners’ old ID card numbers.

As for those who cannot make it to the centers to uplift their books because of special circumstances, the Minister said families and friends of these individuals would have to inform the Ministry so that they can be visited at their homes.