As process begins…
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand, speaking on the first day of 2011 pension books distribution, said the focus is not only the provision of this necessary service but doing it in an efficient manner.
“There are more locations across the country this year. We have tried, as far as we can to go as close to the home of a pensioner as possible, which means we have more breakout groups across the country,” she said, in an invited comment.
Manickchand visited several locations where the process was being executed and engaged some pensioners in discussions about the quality of service, as compared to last year and what can be done to improve in 2011.
The places she went to, include the Night Shelter in East La Penitence, Alexander Village Masjid and Holy Rosary Church, Kitty, all in Georgetown.
According to her, the Ministry has taken into consideration suggestions from the pensioners, themselves, about improving the system and enhancing it.
“We have put some of these measures in place. We are trying to ensure that those benefiting do not have a hard time,” she stated.
Manickchand assured that there will be a constant effort to better the service and it extends to shut-ins, who cannot go to the different locations and to whom her officers will be taking the books.
Standing at one such place, she said: “Shut-ins are persons who cannot make it here and we ask those who feel that they cannot come to stay home and we will come and serve them.”
Manickchand admitted that the exercise will take a bit longer but pointed out that the deadline to ensure shut-ins are serviced is the end of January.
Probation and Social Service Officers will be posted at the designated centres for several days to assure the delivery of quality service.

RESPONSE

The Guyana Chronicle spoke to Probation and Social Service Officer, Mr. Remison Laundry, at Holy Rosary Church and he said the response was good.
He concurred that smaller groups meant less waiting time for the pensioners and reported that, in just over an hour, 50 beneficiaries had received their books.
“It is definitely better like this,” Laundry remarked.
Currently, 44,000 people, who have attained the age of 65 years and more, are receiving the benefit, having lived in Guyana two years prior to receipt and the sum of $300M is expended for the purpose every month.
The Guyana Chronicle spoke to a few old age pensioners and they reported improvements in the level of service.
Eighty-four-year-old Kamachee Ramsammy said: “The service is better. The treatment and everything is better this year.”
She observed that there is more organisation which meant faster and more efficient service.
Sixty-five year-old Lucille Watkins concurred.
Another 84-year-old, Charles Smart said he is grateful for the “new situation.”
Lionel Brown, 91, who has been a beneficiary for several years, agreed there is betterment. “The officers are working faster and things are more comfortable.”
Some of the recipients got preferential treatment due to their health condition.
Badil Sattaur was very appreciative that, although she turned up late, in about 15 minutes, she was able to leave with her pension book.
“The service is very good. I got through fast,” she admitted.
While Sattaur and others were praising the systems now in place, calls are still being made for an increase in the $6,600 individual monthly payment.