-Jagdeo says revised cash grant will be more equitable and transparent
-hints at government’s intention to distribute payouts periodically

THE revised $100,000 one-off cash grant to citizens above age18 will be a more equitable and transparent payout that will ensure there is broader inclusivity and fairness.

This is according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who, on Thursday during a news conference, told reporters the new measure exceeds the initial 200,000 per household grant, which would have accumulated to $60 billion.

“We may have more than 600,000 individuals. We were aiming for about 300,000 households at $200,000 each; that would have been $60 billion, but we may have more than 600,000 people. It may be a bit more money, but it will be an infinitely fairer system,” he explained.

On Wednesday afternoon, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the revised cash grant initiative in response to public feedback and concerns regarding the initial $200,000 household grant that was announced last week.

Dr. Jagdeo also pointed out that not only has the President acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens, but he has also pushed to enhance the policy move to ensure better delivery of service to the people.

“And it avoids putting us, the government, in an unenviable position, where we now have to prove who is the head of the household… And, just imagine; that will be never-ending in response to public feedback and concerns regarding the initial $200,000 household grant that was announced last week,” he said, adding:

“We know who our adults are, and we can prove that they are Guyanese. Those are the two criteria; those are simple things to prove, because we have documents to prove, and then we can pay the money… You can avoid duplication, and all of that.”

He further revealed that distribution will commence shortly, as the government is now examining the methods in which it will deliver the monies transparently to citizens.

“What we said is that we will try to complete this exercise in five months; we will start as soon as possible, but the systems have to be in place to avoid corruption,” he said, adding:
“Now, with this $100,000 per person, it makes it easier, because we already have the databases; of our pensioners, of our public servants, etc. Those are very viable databases that would allow us to do that.”

He explained that the government will consider establishing points where citizens can go with their relevant documents and uplift their cheques.

However, in the hinterland and riverine communities, the government will be examining a different method to ensure that all Guyanese benefit.

“In the hinterland, as I pointed out, it may be a little more difficult; the time to get cheques there, because people who live in the remote parts of country may not have a bank to cash the cheques, and so, we will have to find another mechanism there to ensure that the right people get the money, and through the right process it should be audited,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He reiterated that the process will now be more equitable and transparent.

“We want systems in place; proper systems,” he said.

Jagdeo also hinted that the government intends to provide one-off cash grants to citizens periodically.

“We can do this periodically; give our people some money, and still do the infrastructure. Better housing, better roads, better hospitals for our people,” he said.