Cash grants testament to Govt’s commitment to education – PM
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that the reintroduction of the “Because We Care” cash grant programme is a testament to the Government’s commitment to education development and to its ability to deliver on its promises.
Phillips launched the distribution process for the grant on Monday in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). He was accompanied by his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and his wife Mignon Bowen-Phillips share a photo with some students at Kwakwani, Region 10
The money which amounts to $15,000, is being distributed along with a uniform grant valued at $4000 to parents of public school students.
Collectively, approximately 11,000 students in the region will benefit from the initiative, which totals roughly $209 million, a release from the Office of the Prime Minister stated.
Because We Care
During his remarks to parents gathered in the auditorium of the Kwakwani Secondary School, Phillips said that although access to public education from nursery to secondary is free, additional costs can be burdensome to parents.
He added that the Government is aware that assisting parents in offsetting these expenses would bring relief.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips speaking with parents who gathered to collect the cash grant for their children
“In our manifesto when we went to the people seeking to be elected, we made it clear that we will return the “Because We Care” grant, because we’re convinced that notwithstanding that education is free in Guyana, whatever additional assistance the Government can give to the people of Guyana who have children in school will be most welcomed by the people.”
Jacqueline Williams, a parent of three children, aged 13, eight and five, was among the first group of persons to receive the money in Kwakwani. The elated mother received $57,000 directly from the Prime Minister. She said whether school continues online or in the physical classroom, the money will be very useful for her.
“It will really help me to buy their school things, especially since COVID has affected everyone financially… the Prime Minister also mentioned that by 2025 the money will go up to $50,000 and I think that will be really nice.”
Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated
Additionally, during his visit to Kwakwani, the Prime Minister toured the head office of the Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated (KUI) and met with staff members.
He subsequently inspected several facilities under the control of the utility regulator in the predominantly mining and logging community. Among the sites visited were the Kwakwani power generation plant, the Kwakwani water treatment plant and a newly installed water distribution system, which will supply potable water to approximately 400 residents of Jonestown.
Phillips was accompanied by General Manager of KUI, David Adams and Regional Executive Officer Dwight John.
