OF the targeted 15, 000 Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) households, approximately 11,749 have already received the Government’s $25, 000 COVID-19 cash grant.

This was disclosed by the region’s coordinator of the exercise, Mr. Iqbaul Khan, who said distributors are working feverishly to ensure that the process is smooth and transparent.

Thus far, many households in areas such as Anna Regina, Akawini, Malbrough, Lima, Dartmouth, Golden Fleece, Perseverance, Johanna Cecilia, Henrietta, Charity, Abram Zuil, Zorg, Martindale, Queenstown and Cozier have benefited from the initiative.

Khan reassured the Guyana Chronicle that supervisors of various distribution teams are on the ground to ensure that there is verification.

So far, he said, Essequibians have been cooperating, and no major challenge has been encountered.

Distribution of the grant would usually commence as early as 07:30hrs daily. Each distribution team has community leaders/representatives who are around to ensure that the process is honest.

Those beneficiaries who have already received the cash grant are very thankful, and many of them have already spend it on much-needed items for their household.

A resident of Golden Fleece said the grant was used to purchase much-needed materials for the continuation of the construction of their house.

Another family from Zorg Village will put the money towards the purchase of a sofa. Other families used the grant to purchase groceries.

Many of the beneficiaries have commended the initiative, which has provided much-needed assistance during the pandemic.

”I think it’s a positive initiative, and I want to thank the Irfaan Ali government for the money; it has helped my family, especially at a time when my husband has lost his job,” Sheena Singh, a resident from Suddie related.

The exercise will continue until all 15,000 households have received the grant.