$100K cash grant distribution begins in Region 8

The Government has commenced distribution of the $100,000 cash grant in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), following on the heels of the distribution that began two weeks ago in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Last week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had assured that the roll out of the $100,000 cash grant distribution would move on to Regions One, Eight and Four in the coming weeks. In keeping with that promise, the cash grant distribution has actually begun in the first of these regions.
In the case of Region Eight, Mahdia’s Deputy Mayor Akita John explained to this publication that cash grant distribution is ongoing in the region, with scores of people lining up to collect the one-off cash grant.
According to John, the distribution exercise involved all adults, including pensioners, an exercise that she described as hectic. Meanwhile, a statement from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry explained that the cash grant distribution in the region is being spearheaded by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai.
In addition to Campbelltown, the Ministry revealed that distribution was also being done in Mahdia and Princeville with support from the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Guyana. According to the Ministry in its statement, the distribution is a fulfillment of the Government’s commitment to the citizens of Guyana.
“This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to providing financial aid to families in these regions. Made possible by a commitment from His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the distribution aims to alleviate financial burdens, promote economic empowerment, and support local development,” the ministry said.
The Government had previously started cash grant distribution in Region Nine, while registration has been ongoing in various regions including Regions Four, One (Barima-Waini) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The first stage was the registering of public servants, pensioners and persons in the hinterland communities, before registration was thrown open to all eligible members of the public, 18 years and older.

Only recently, the Government had been granted approval for more than $84 billion in supplementary funds for projects that included the highly-anticipated $100,000 one-off cash grant initiative. Of this amount, $30.5 billion is for the commencement of the $100,000 cash grant initiative.

The Government’s $100,000 Cash Grant Initiative was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali in October and every Guyanese citizen 18 years and older will receive the payout. Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has indicated that initial distribution process of the $100,000 one-off cash grant is expected to see about 300,000 Guyanese receiving their cash grants before the end of the year, while the remainder of persons should receive theirs next year.
Technical teams with pre-programmed tablets are being dispatched to gather persons’ data. The second stage is the verification of the registrants, followed by the cutting of cheques. A distribution schedule is then to be published, and these cheques are disbursed in the same locations where registration occurred.

To register, individuals must present their valid National Identification Cards (ID) or valid passports. Photocopies will not be accepted. These official documents are the only acceptable forms of identification used to confirm that the applicant is a Guyanese citizen aged 18 or older, making them eligible to receive the cash grant. During registration, a photo of the applicant will be taken to verify their physical presence and ensure that the person who collects the cash grant is the same individual who registered.
Additionally, a photo of the applicant’s ID or passport is taken to verify that the information on the document matches the person registering. These measures seek to prevent any attempts to defraud the system or manipulate the process. (G3)