President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday reiterated that public servants should receive the $100,000 national cash grant before the end of the week, despite the first payments not arriving with salaries earlier today.
The guarantee follows Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh’s announcement last week that the government would begin disbursing the grant starting with central government employees, since the administration already held their banking details. At the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual general meeting this afternoon, the President said the first batch of beneficiaries will have the funds deposited into their bank accounts by week’s end.
“Before the end of this week the first batch of beneficiary of the cash grant will receive it in their bank account. So, let us not be deterred by temporary headwinds, let us not lose sight of the bigger picture the world is looking at Guyana,” President Ali said.
The $100,000 cash grant was allocated in this year’s national budget. Authorities previously indicated the initial disbursement would target nearly 49,000 central government employees already integrated into the banking system, allowing for rapid electronic transfer of close to GYD 5 billion in the first phase.
After that first payout, the government plans to launch an online digital platform for registration of other eligible Guyanese aged 18 and over. Officials have said bank account information will be required during registration, reflecting the administration’s intention to deliver the grant primarily via direct deposit to promote faster, safer and more transparent payments.
