Dear Editor

THE Alliance for Change (AFC) reiterates its support for conditional cash transfers from oil revenues as a means of ensuring that traditionally neglected segments of Guyana’s population are able to benefit meaningfully from the natural wealth of our country. While the AFC is in the process of formulating a more comprehensive policy position to advance to the Guyanese people, we believe strongly that the concept has merit and should not be dismissed without the benefit of further examination.

The AFC’s policy will explore several indirect initiatives which can benefit Guyanese, including Low interest loans, improved health Care, free education, enhanced pensions and NIS benefits, greater access to affordable housing, as well as conditional cash transfers.

The AFC believes that cash transfers, tied to social programmes and responsible civic behavior, have been proven to work in other countries. There are numerous successful models worldwide which have brought significant social adjustments to marginalized people and catalysed further socioeconomic progress. One such programme close to home is Brazil’s “Bolsa Familia”, under which poor families with children must ensure their children attend school and are vaccinated in order to qualify for and remain on the programme. The AFC believes that there is scope for similar initiatives in Guyana.
Regards
Sherod Avery Duncan
Public Relations, Alliance for Change