The Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has sharply criticized the government’s handling of the national $100,000 cash grant initiative, claiming that thousands of pensioners, persons with disabilities, and Hinterland residents remain without their promised funds.
APNU Member of Parliament Juretha Fernandes is calling for an immediate overhaul of the distribution process, describing the current system as “cumbersome” and fraught with bureaucratic obstacles that have caused undue hardship for the most vulnerable segments of the population.
While the government reported that nearly 290,000 citizens had received their grants by the end of April primarily through direct bank transfers the Opposition points out that this leaves a significant gap. With a target of 716,261 recipients, the APNU contends that over 400,000 citizens are still waiting, many of whom have been registered for over a month with no update.
MP Fernandes highlighted the growing frustration among citizens, citing “lengthy waiting periods, lack of communication, and uncertainty regarding the protection and handling of their personal information” as primary points of contention.
“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,” Fernandes stated.
Adding to the criticism, APNU Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul alleged that the distribution process is marred by inconsistencies and what he termed “flawed” administrative practices.
“In this cash grant distribution, different communities are treated differently,” MP Mahipaul claimed. He alleged that while some communities particularly those he described as PPP strongholds received funds directly at their homes without the need for bank accounts, residents in other regions are being forced to navigate complex requirements to open bank accounts before they can access the grant.
The Opposition has characterized the situation as a result of poor planning and weak administrative coordination, arguing that the government has shown a “disregard for the dignity and time” of the citizenry.
The APNU is now demanding the following actions from the administration:
Simplification: Streamlining the registration and verification processes to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Prioritization: Giving immediate focus to the needs of senior citizens and vulnerable groups.
Transparency: Providing clearer information regarding the storage and security of citizens’ personal data.
Operational Efficiency: Increasing staffing at distribution centres to reduce wait times.
While the government has previously maintained that support systems are in place to assist shut-ins and those with disabilities, the APNU maintains that these measures have proven insufficient in practice, urging officials to move quickly to ensure the grant reaches all eligible Guyanese without further delay.
Do you believe the government should shift to a more localized, door-to-door distribution model to better assist the elderly and those living in remote areas?
