Cash grant distribution: Govt condemns circulation of false information

The Government has condemned the circulation of false information about the distribution of cash grants, which has led to unauthorized gatherings and disruptions at various locations. In a statement released today, officials emphasized the importance of relying on official announcements for accurate scheduling and locations of cash grant registrations and distributions.
On Tuesday, an incident occurred in New Amsterdam where a large, unruly crowd gathered at a location not scheduled for cash grant activities. The Government attributed this to misinformation spread by individuals connected to the opposition, APNU/AFC, who they accused of attempting to create chaos and undermine the cash grant initiative.
The $100,000 cash grant initiative, which aims to provide significant financial relief to citizens, is being implemented across the country. The Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive their grants and urged the public to remain calm and patient as the initiative progresses over the next few months.

Meanwhile, the Husman Services and Social Security Ministry said in a statement that at the Princess Elizabeth Road location in New Amsterdam, pensioners and persons with disabilities were scheduled to collect their grants, however, a large crowd, misinformed, gathered at the site, resulting in chaos.
The crowd broke the gate and rushed toward the building, ignoring directives from Minister Vindhya Persaud, who was present. Despite the Minister’s attempts to explain that the day’s distribution was limited to pensioners and persons with disabilities, the crowd refused to cooperate and began behaving aggressively.
The Guyana Police Force said it had to intervened to restore order, but the distribution process was halted at the location. Citizens were advised to return to their homes, though approximately 60 people remained in the compound at the time of this report.
The Government on Tuesday remained citizens to refer only to official notices from the Government regarding the cash grant initiative.
Additionally, President Dr Irfaan Ali, at his End-of-Year press conference said that in many instances misinformation is being spread to deliberately create mischief.
Referring to the incident at New Amsterdam, the Head of State said that someone posted misinformation on social media and caused persons to turn up at the location.
“So we have a lot of mischief in the system and we have we know makers. We know we are pushing it and we know what their intentions are,” the head of state said.
As the initiative continues, the Government reassures the public that measures are in place to address concerns and maintain order at distribution sites. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and follow guidelines to facilitate a smooth process.