By Vishani Ragobeer

FOR many, President Irfaan Ali’s announcement on the last day of 2020’ that all public sector workers, pensioners and workers of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) would receive a one-off grant of $25,000 came as a surprise, but a welcome one, nonetheless.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Leah Hernãndez, was one worker who did not anticipate that such a grant would be offered, since the year 2020 was fraught with many financial and economic challenges.

“This move by our President is one I think most public servants like myself would find very considerate of him. And as a public servant, I feel somewhat satisfied that we were included to be given the grant,” Hernãndez told the Sunday Chronicle.

Another public sector worker, Trisha Wilkinson, hailed this $25,000 grant as a “very good” initiative and expressed her gratitude for it.

“At times we all need additional help, especially financially, and therefore it will be well received to assist me in doing something extra for my household,” she said.

“I was not expecting this grant; however, I believe in unprecedented times like these it is a government’s duty to take care of its people and I am happy that the Government of Guyana was able to provide and deliver,” another public sector employee, Andrea Premnauth, said.

Members of the public sector also include teachers, medical professionals and members of the disciplined services. Secondary school teacher, Alisa Holmes also said that the bonus comes at a time when it is much needed.

“I’m thankful for it since it’s better than having none at such a time when we’re faced with the global pandemic,” she said.

In November last year, the President announced that healthcare professionals will get two weeks’ equivalent bonus before the end of the year. Subsequently, the two-week, tax-free bonus was also announced for members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Then, a nurse with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Ishaku Zechriah said, “I think it is encouraging, particularly [since] there has been multiple agitation to compensate for the increased workload and risks associated with the pandemic. I think the President’s response is appropriate.”

Commenting on this $25,000 grant was Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, who called it a “spectacular measure” that is much needed by citizens during a trying time.

He gave a reminder that this grant is given in addition to the $25,000 grant offered to households and the suite of relief measures offered in the 2020 emergency budget.

“The only category of persons who are not benefitting from this measure in the public sector would be ministers in government,” he said, contending that this was a measure aiming to provide relief to the people who need it the most.