Croal slams “dishonest”, “false” disability assistance claims by WIN’s MP

Housing Minister Collin Croal on Wednesday delivered an in-depth rebuttal in the National Assembly, following what he described as incorrect and dishonest statements made by Opposition Member of Parliament Natasha Singh during the 2026 Budget debate.
The exchange arose after Singh raised concerns about alleged failures in the government’s social assistance programme, specifically referencing persons from Port Kaituma, namely Leona James. Singh claimed that James died without receiving her permanent disability assistance and other entitled benefits.
In response, Minister Croal firmly rejected the allegation, stating that the claims were false and misleading.
Quoting directly from documentation provided by the Human Services Ministry, Croal told the House that James had, in fact, been receiving permanent disability assistance for several years prior to her death.
“This is a lie, a big fat lie…she used to get the permanent disability assistance. Please let her soul rest in peace” Croal responded, quoting a statement attributed to a ministry official identified as “Denise”.
The minister explained that while James did not receive assistance for 2026, this was due to her death in January, which occurred during the same period when benefit books were being distributed for that year. He noted that records clearly show she received her full benefits for 2025.
“I have the evidence here,” Croal stated. “Since 2019, the late Leona James received assistance from the Ministry of Human Services.”
Croal further challenged Singh’s claim that pensioners were only benefiting from an increase of $160 per day under the 2026 budget—an amount Singh compared to the cost of a pack of biscuits.
Using basic calculations, the minister pointed out that the monthly increase of $46,000 amounts to approximately $1,534 per day, not $160.
“Honourable member, if I were you, I would not say anything else to this honourable House,” Croal remarked.

No regional bias
The minister also took the opportunity to address accusations of regional bias. Croal dismissed claims of favouritism and provided a breakdown of allocations across the country. He highlighted that Region 10 received 2,315 allocations, while Region 4 received 27,976 allocations during the previous period. Croal explained that Region 4, being the most populated region, also has the largest backlog of pending applicants—amounting to 52,142. He said the government made a commitment to clear arrears across all regions while prioritising Region 4 due to the scale of the backlog.
The minister then outlined projected allocations by region, stating that the government plans to clear: Region 1: 187, Region 2: 2,000, Region 3: 10,000, Region 5: 3,500, Region 6: 8,000, Region 7: 300, Region 8: 70, Region 9: 900, Region 10: 3,000
He also announced that, beginning in the new week, the government will expand the number of years being addressed for pending applicants in Region 4.
As he concluded his presentation, Croal reaffirmed his support for the 2026 National Budget, stating that it represents more than just financial figures.
“I give my deserving support to the 2026 budget not only because of the numbers it contains, but because of the lives it will transform, the homes it will create, and the future it will build for all Guyanese,” Croal said.
The public assistance programme provides temporary financial aid to vulnerable individuals and families facing economic hardship, including persons living with disabilities, those with medical conditions, and households unable to meet basic needs.
Permanent public assistance is also available to persons with permanent disabilities, with eligibility now based on disability status rather than income, meaning recipients remain on the register and receive support until they transition to pensioner status.