THE start of the Government’s ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 cash grant initiative in Bartica, Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) on Saturday was met with positive responses from the parents and guardians, who uplifted their vouchers.They cited uses of the $10,000, ranging from transportation costs, particularly for students who go to school via boats in the riverine areas, as well as supplying meals.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with several beneficiaries on Saturday, and they all lauded the Government for its vision to support parents and guardians to ensure that their children have access to

education.
NICOLE ALLICOCK, a resident from Bartica, said, “The money is an additional support. Parents are already working hard to make sure our children have what we didn’t have, so this is a good move.”
Another Bartician, ELIZABETH SINGH, told this newspaper that the top priority for her is transportation, and the $10,000 will assist in meeting those costs. “It is a help, and for that I am thankful. Sometimes it is hard, but we try. To have the Government help is a good thing,” she said.
ROSE PABLO voiced similar sentiments, adding that transportation costs for her household, too, is a challenge some days. “It is a something we are happy about.”
One resident from Itabali, EVADNE MARTY, told the Guyana Chronicle that for communities in the riverine areas, children sometimes have difficulty with transportation. “With this, we have another place where we can get the money to make sure our children get to school; it is a good help, and I am thankful for it,” she said.
One of several fathers who uplifted his voucher on Saturday, LEON SKEETE, said, “It’s a good thing for Government to help the people, especially when it is for the children. For me, the money will work for transportation mostly.”
JENNIFER WILLIAMS explained that the $10,000 will be placed in a Bank account as a nest egg for when unexpected expenses for her child arises. “I will put it in the Bank, because there will be a time when you will need it for something. When children at school, sometimes you have to get money to buy things unexpected,” she said.
“It is a useful thing,” said CHRISTINE KING. “There are a lot of things that schoolchildren need, and the money will come in to help with that expense.
Another father, GEORGE WILLIAMS, told this newspaper that his children sometimes need additional books to the ones used in schools, so the monies will be used on this. “Children going to school is a lot of expense, if you count it, for books and other things. The money will help; it’s a good thing,” he said.
CARMELA CONSTANTINE pointed out that even though parents try their utmost to provide for their children, sometimes they can come up short of resources. “This money is a good move,” she said. “It will come in handy, especially when you find yourself short to get something for your children.”
GARY HOHENKRIK, who has three children, also expressed his gratitude for the provision of the monies to parents, adding that the fact that there are no conditions attached to receiving it is also a good thing. “People need the help

sometimes; and with this, we don’t have a hassle to get the money; that is a good thing,” he said.
The roll-out of Government’s ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 cash grant initiative continues across the country until November 21.

(Interviews by Vanessa Narine; photos by Sonell Nelson)