$25,000 household cash grant distribution starts in Regions 1, 9

Over 8000 Region One (Barima-Waini) residents were the first to benefit from the $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali earlier this month.

Just one day prior to the laying of the Emergency Budget 2020 in the National Assembly, the President indicated that the grant was one of several measures designed to buttress households grappling with the effects of the pandemic. A Department of Public Information report stated that the Region One distribution began on Monday. Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, the DPI report stated, started the distribution at Khan Hill. The President, Croal said, expects that the grant will ease some of the hardships that hinterland residents are facing following the halt on mining and other activities during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, DPI also reported that distribution in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) also started on Monday during a visit by Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat. The Minister said the exercise is a good start to revitalise the economy.
“You will have $200 million by the end of October circulating in this region. That is a significant boost to your economy in Region Nine. We will continue to ensure that we put money into people’s pockets,” Minister Bharrat said.
Distribution will also be done in other far-flung areas including Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Supiruni).