Cash grants ‘not simply the sharing out of $10,000’
–but ‘the demonstration of a caring government’s commitment’

OVER 1,000 parents and guardians listened attentively to an inspirational speech delivered by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall on Wednesday at the Annandale Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara.

The large second floor of the school building proved much too small for the massive gathering, and many parents had to listen to the AG’s speech from the corridors.
The Attorney-General said he was pleased to be associated with the event because of what it signifies: “This is not simply the sharing out of $10,000,” he said, adding: “Of course, it manifests itself that way, but in reality, it is the demonstration of a caring government’s commitment to the education of all of Guyana’s children.”
The Government of Guyana’s “Because We Care” education grant is yet another subsidy given by the PPP/C Administration to make it more affordable for parents to send their children to school.

When the PPP/C came into office in 1992, Old Age Pensions were given to only those who were destitute. Within a year, that policy was changed to allow all Guyanese over 65 years of age to receive Old Age Pensions. That amount grew from $300 to the $1300 given monthly.
When the Uniform Voucher Programme started, the assistance was given only to poor people; now, every child in the public school system gets a uniform voucher.
The School Feeding Programme started out in the hinterland; now, every child, from Nursery to Grade Two gets either a hot meal or a snack.
This $10,000 education initiative is being added as an additional benefit to the existing ones given because the economy can now afford it.

Attorney-General Nandlall was quick to admit that although the $10,000 per child may not be significant, in total, it adds up to billions of dollars that the

government is now distributing nationwide. As the economy continues to improve, this amount will also be increased.
The AG hopes that children will take advantage of this investment by the government to increase their attendance, and to make full use of all the facilities and opportunities available to them, “so that each child can receive the benefit of a proper education.”

“Our Government,” he said, “ensures that the highest budgetary allocation is given to the education sector. The second [highest] budgetary allocation goes to the health sector; followed by the housing and water sector, because these are sectors that directly impact the lives of all of our people, but most importantly, our young people.”
The disbursement process was well organised, and the large gathering of parents and guardians were quickly served, much to the delight of everyone.
More than 13,000 children from the East Coast and the East Bank benefited Wednesday from the Government of Guyana’s “Because we Care” $10,000 cash grant. Parents have until the November 30, 2014 to en-cash their vouchers at any Western Union or Bill Express location throughout Guyana.