IT is said that a society is judged by the way it treats with its young and the elderly. Both of these age-cohorts are, in some ways, more vulnerable than those who are actively and gainfully employed and, as such, are much more deserving of assistance from the government and the society as a whole.

This is why the current government is putting so much emphasis on the well-being and welfare of senior citizens, who, over the years, would have served their country in one way or the other and are now in the process of enjoying what is sometimes referred to as their ‘golden years’.

Since assuming office, the Dr Irfaan-Ali administration has implemented a number of policy interventions to make life easier for our senior citizens. Among these was an increase in Old Age pension, which has now moved from $20,500 to $25,000. The increase of Old Age Pension has benefitted an estimated 60,000 senior citizens, putting a total of $4 billion in disposable income in their hands.

In addition, Old Age Pensions are much more payment-friendly today, as the long waits at post offices have now become something of the past. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has also put in place a number of measures whereby payments can be made through the banking system. Under this arrangement, pensions can be deposited into the bank accounts of pensioners within the first five days of every month, provided of course, that their pension books have been surrendered to the Human Services Ministry. The initiative is in keeping with the ministry’s mandate to ensure that all pensioners receive their payments in an environment free from stress and in a timely and predictable manner.

There is also the biannual payment plan for pensioners who live in remote areas. In addition, there is the option of redeeming vouchers at Money Gram/Surepay and Bill Express locations countrywide aimed at improving service delivery for the elderly. Government has also commenced direct delivery and payment of pension to shut-in pensioners, including the differently-abled.

To further enhance the quality of life for the elderly, the Guyana Government took a decision to provide potable water, free of cost, to pensioners with effect from January 1, 2021. Pensioners are already benefitting from 10 cubic meters of water free of cost. This is equivalent to five 400-gallon black tanks, which is more than enough to last a pensioner and other dependent or dependents for more than one month.

On top of these benefits, the government has removed Value-Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity charges, as well as essential food items which, when taken together, has resulted in a higher level of disposable income not only for our senior citizens but for Guyanese as a whole. Under the previous APNU-AFC administration, VAT was introduced on a wide array of consumer items which included water and electricity.

At the macro-level, the government has prioritised an enhanced quality of health care for the elderly with an emphasis on chronic diseases aimed at decreasing co-morbidities and reducing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. Steps have been taken to strengthen the delivery of health care to the elderly especially in terms of primary health care and access to free medication and medical supplies.

Thanks to improved quality of life and advances in medical technology, people are living longer today than in past decades. Longevity must be celebrated and not be seen as a liability or a drag on our national development. Seniors may not be at the peak of their productive lives, but they still contribute to the economy by way of consumer-spending which provides a boost to the economy. Many, despite their advancing age, still contribute their experiences and skills which go a far way in terms of national growth and development.

The Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security must be commended for the several interventions made to make life easier for our senior citizens. They deserve nothing less than the best we can afford as a society.