Guyanese are very dissatisfied with the manner in which pensioners are currently being treated, considering the health situation we are facing at the moment due to the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
One would have thought that from the time there was evidence of the coronavirus being present here, the authorities would have sprung into action to protect every citizen, especially the most vulnerable section of our population – the elderly – from being infected, since they are the ones most likely to succumb to the disease.
To the surprise of many, however, in spite of certain measures being put in place to prevent the further spread of the disease, such as physical separation and ‘stay at home’ orders etc, some pensioners were made to stand in long lines and in very close proximity to each other at the Bourda Post Office without any concern that they could contract the virus.
Similar situations existed at other post offices and National Insurance Scheme offices in various parts of the country. It was only after a huge protest via social media posts by various persons that the authorities made some intervention. Even at this stage, however, there seems to be no concrete measures in place to ensure that the elderly receive their pensions in a timely manner and with less hassle, taking into consideration the COVID-19 pandemic.
To date, it is not clear what sort of measures were put in place by those who were tasked with managing the distribution of pension payments as it relates to the adjustments in the administrative system to cater for the COVID-19 pandemic. All we have seen so far are brief notices that post offices would be closed and further guidance would be issued to pensioners soon.
It would be good if the authorities were to relook at the entire issue of pension distribution and come up with ways in which pensioners would not have to endure all this hassle to collect what is rightfully theirs. For too long, pensioners have had to travel long distances and join long lines, sometimes just to hear there are no funds available, or return another day.
Now, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, there must be much care and concern taken to ensure that these pensioners are not exposed to the virus. While other long-term options must be explored, there are immediate steps which could be taken to assist pensioners. For example, there were suggestions made for pensioners to be paid at least two months in advance, so that this would minimise the number of times they have to leave their homes.
When the APNU/AFC were in Opposition, they used every opportunity at their disposal to lambast the then PPP/C Administration for not adequately taking care of the older folks, and for being oblivious to the needs of pensioners. They had vowed that they would have taken drastic measures to ensure that older folks are fully taken care of and are given the resources to live the remainder of their lives in comfort. However, if we are to assess their performance in terms of how they have responded to the needs of the elderly, they would score very low.
The APNU/AFC have boasted about “massive increases” in pensions etc; however, it is clear that life has become more difficult for older folks, as is the case for all citizens under the Coalition Administration. While our senior folks are grateful that they have indeed received increases in their pensions over the years, other means of support, such as the electricity and water subsidies which had been started under the PPP government, were taken away by the Coalition. Even after huge public pressure for the Coalition to restore the water and electricity subsidies, they bluntly refused to do so.
Once a new government is in place, it must continue exploring ways and means of creating a more comfortable life for the elderly. For example, in addition to paying a better pension, there is need for special care homes, retirement homes, special transportation, and priority treatment for our elderly. Also, there must be increased focus on long-term health care of older adults suffering from mental disorders, as well as to provide caregivers with education, training and support.
