The distribution process for the one-of cash grant of $100,000 to all eligible Guyanese 18 years and over has commenced. From all indications, the registration process is progressing smoothly and actual disbursements have already commenced in Region Nine.
This is the single largest cash disbursement to eligible Guyanese amounting to the staggering sum of roughly 60 billion dollars which will find its way into the pockets of Guyanese. It is, therefore, imperative that due diligence be done by the authorities to ensure that the process is transparent and there is full accountability of the disbursed sum.

This is a laudable initiative on the part of the PPP/C administration and is consistent with the pro-people and democratic orientation of the ruling party.
According to Vice-President Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, a database is being generated which will serve as the basis for future grants. Some 300,000 cheques are expected to be cut by the end of this current year.
This is no ordinary task given the fact that there are several other demands that have to be met before the end of the year including the much anticipated salary adjustments along with the customary retroactive payments.

There are some opposition elements who are critical of the disbursement process. They complain about what they perceive as ‘delays’ in the disbursement process without showing any regard for the magnitude and complexity of the tasks involved. They would rather that the process be hastily done without any concern for the norms of accountability and transparency. Yet, they would be the first to complain of any perceived infractions of accountability norms and procedures.
The fact is that the PPP/C administration is doing a commendable job in ensuring that the registration and disbursement processes are done in a transparent and accountable manner. As indicated earlier, this is not only a huge but a complex operation involving all Guyanese citizens not only in Guyana but also in the diaspora.

As in any undertaking of this magnitude, there will invariably be some who will be missed in the initial registration exercise but, as pointed by Dr. Jagdeo there are mechanisms in place to ensure that such persons do not miss out on the cash grants payments due to them. The same is true of those who are disabled or who are confined to home due to physical or other disabilities.

The first phase of the disbursement process will focus on pensioners, hinterland communities and public sector workers. In the case of public servants and pensioners the registration process is less problematic as they would already be registered on the government’s financial database.
Despite opposition criticisms, the cash grant is welcomed by Guyanese all across the political and geographic spectrum of Guyana. The political opposition is seeking to project the misleading view that such payments are an ‘electioneering gimmick’ and that given the petroleum ‘windfall’ more could have

been given. But as pointed out by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the one-off cash grant will address vulnerabilities in our society and bring about much needed relief to the Guyanese people.
‘We do not take away benefits. We give benefits’ President Ali said. He further assured that such payments will not detract from the impending salary increases and retroactive salary increases for public sector employees for this current year.