Thousands of pensioners, persons with disabilities and Hinterland residents are still without their $100,000 cash grant, APNU Member of Parliament, Juretha Fernandes has stated. She is calling for the process to be simplified so that everyone can benefit within a short space of time.

The Government has indicated that at the end of April, almost 290,000 Guyanese had already received their $100,000 cash grant, with the majority of the transfers being done through the banking system.

But with a total of 716,261 Guyanese expected to receive the grant, MP Fernandes said it is clear that thousands are still in line.

The APNU Member of Parliament said the coalition is deeply concerned about the growing frustration and hardship being experienced by thousands of Guyanese in both the application and distribution processes.

 “Across the country, citizens, particularly senior citizens, vulnerable persons, and residents in rural and hinterland communities, have been voicing mounting complaints about cumbersome registration procedures, lengthy waiting periods, lack of communication, and uncertainty regarding the protection and handling of their personal information,” MP Fernandes said.

MP Fernandes said reports reaching the APNU suggest that in numerous cases, persons are still waiting to access the grant although they have completed the registration process more than a month ago.  

The Government has explained that support systems are in place to assist shut-ins, pensioners, persons with disabilities, and other persons who may need assistance.

However, various categories of persons continue to confront multiple challenges.

“It is deeply troubling that elderly citizens, some of whom are forced to travel long distances, stand in extended lines, repeatedly revisit registration centres, or depend on others for transportation, are being subjected to unnecessary stress and hardship to receive assistance that was promised to them,” MP Fernandes said.

According to Fernandes, those in the Hinterland are most affected.

Weighing in on the issue, APNU Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, said the process of distributing the cash grant appear flawed.

“In this cash grant distribution, different communities are treated differently, and that’s the first problem we have with it also. I say different communities are treated differently because I can tell you comfortably that there are persons in Region 2, villages in Region 2 that have easy access to the banking system but they don’t have confidence in establishing bank accounts, and the $100,000 reach them to their houses. So, that is one way, how they did it in Region 2 in stronghold PPP communities, while they demand from other communities that you must go and open a bank account,” MP Mahipaul said.

The APNU said the entire process reflects poor planning, weak administrative coordination, and a troubling disregard for the dignity and time of the Guyanese people.

It therefore wants the registration and verification process to be simplified, and unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles to be eliminated.

Additionally, it is pushing for greater transparency regarding the handling of citizens’ personal information; increase staffing and operational efficiency at distribution centres; and for senior citizens and vulnerable persons to be prioritized.

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