…government rolls out COVID-19 Public Assistance Programme

THE first outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease was reported in China on November 17, 2019. Six months later, the world is grappling with a pandemic as new cases continue to be reported daily around the world. As of July 2, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said more 10,357, 662 people have been infected with the COVID-19 disease and 508,0555 persons have died, even as the virus continues to affect millions of people and has shut down almost every economy.

Guyana has not been spared. The first case was recorded on March 11, 2020 and to date, there are 250 recorded cases, 14 deaths and 120 active cases. Two persons are battling for their lives in the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The effect on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized operations and those in the construction, restaurant and tourism sectors, have been tremendous. Many persons have lost their jobs or have seen a severe reduction in their incomes over the past few months.

In an effort to mitigate the hardship on these individuals, the Government of Guyana, through collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Communities, National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), has rolled out the COVID-19 Public Assistance Programme.

The COVID-19 Public Assistance Programme targets households in which one or more persons suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19, single parent households and households that are managed by elderly persons or persons living with disabilities.
It does not replace the Ministry of Social Protection’s monthly Public Assistance Programme, which offers support to single parents and persons in difficult circumstances.

The programme is two-fold. Eligible persons living on the coastland will receive vouchers via the Post Office’s Registered mail system and would be required to sign upon receipt of it. These vouchers can be taken to several supermarkets across the country and will provide recipients with fresh foods, dry ration and sanitation items up to a cost of approximately $32,000. Eligible hinterland residents will receive packed hampers that cater to their Indigenous diets.

Do you qualify for the COVID-19 Public Assistance Programme then?

Individuals who fit any of the criteria listed above are eligible to apply. Persons can download and fill out the application form listed on the Ministry of Social Protection’s website at https://mosp.gov.gy/ or https://government.gy/eform/241.
Once you have entered all the necessary data, you simply submit the form along with a contact number for further communication.

Persons who do not have internet access can contact the Ministry of Communities or the Ministry of Social Protection on toll free numbers to have the application form completed by an Officer.

On Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 hours to 12:00 hours, calls can be placed to 264 2690|225 6202| 227 4410| 232 0952| 337 2667.

On Mondays to Fridays, 12:00 hours to 17:00 hours, calls can be placed to 615 0507| 615 9495| 615 9990| 615 7839|665 2271| 615 9727| 615 7829.

The programme also caters for persons who may wish to call and register on weekends.
On Saturdays and Sundays between 09:00 hours and 17:00 hours, calls can be made to 615 9730| 615 9704| 615 9825| 615 9729| 615 9518| 615 8474| 616 2576.

Following the submission of an application, shortlisted applicants will be contacted for verification purposes by the Ministry of Social Protection or the Ministry of Communities before support is released. Only eligible applicants will receive the assistance.

VOUCHERS
How to en-cash a voucher?
Following the phase one application and verification exercise by the Ministry of Communities, 1700 persons were deemed eligible and have received their vouchers across Regions Two, Four, Five, Six and 10. These persons were required to follow a process in order to en-cash the vouchers at various supermarkets across the country. The vouchers are accompanied by a flyer, which provides the list of supermarkets and their contact numbers.

Recipients are required to select a supermarket from the list and call ahead 24 hours before they intend to uplift the items covered by the voucher. Recipients must provide their name and identification (ID) card number. The following day, recipients are required to visit that supermarket with the voucher and their ID Card.

These must be presented to the supermarket representative for the information to be verified. Once verification has been completed, the recipient will be issued with a package containing the items covered by the voucher. This package includes dry ration, vegetables, fruits, eggs, fish and poultry. Recipients must observe the Ministry of Public Health’s COVID-19 protocols including the wearing of a mask, sanitation of hands and physical distancing. The voucher is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

GREAT INITIATIVE

To date, many recipients have lauded the programme and government for providing this form of support. “I think it’s a very good gesture that they’re doing this,” one recipient said, while another noted that the “contribution is a very good effort which will be able to help persons along the way”.

Another beneficiary shared similar sentiments, lauding the government for the initiative. “It is very helpful to the nation,” she said, at this challenging time. “This is a very good initiative especially during these circumstances as it will help persons to take care of their families,” a recipient from the Tuschen New Scheme said. The Government of Guyana is assiduously working through its agencies and ministries to ensure that vulnerable persons are reached and given the necessary support during this difficult time. Persons are encouraged to apply as long as they fit the criteria laid out.