THE Guyana Government is currently further bearing witness to its expressed

commitment to ease the cost of living for the more needy and disadvantaged members of the nation.
So, even in the face of further irresponsible actions by the parliamentary opposition, APNU and AFC, the government is actively involved with the Guyana Power and Light Company, to ensure provision of relief to eligible pensioners.
When the APNU/AFC coalition went on its slash-and-burn cutting spree of the 2012 National Budget that further affected operations of the GPL, the government had to consider ways of easing the burden of increased electricity cost to household consumers.
Now, while the government is dealing with the grave implications resulting from the opposition parties voting against the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric Project, Human Resources Minister, Jennifer Webster has disclosed in parliament her ministry’s involvement with the GPL in the verification of pensioners who would be entitled for an annual subsidy to help meet electricity expenses.
She has disclosed the provision by her ministry of a database to the GPL of all pensioners to match the corporation’s database in order to more effectively enable the government in honouring electricity assistance for such citizens.
The electricity subsidy, amounting to approximately $590M, is provided for in the 2013 budget. Over 6,000 pensioners have been identified for subsidy of $20,000. The current exercise is expected to be completed by August 12.
Currently, Guyanese of all categories are endeavouring to cope with rising cost of living related to imported fuel, that’s also having a toll on the business sector.
In the circumstances, it seems such a pity that the government’s plan to make a reality of the Amaila Falls hydro-power project was so arrogantly dashed by last week’s opposition vote in parliament.