Dr Vindhya Persaud commences delivery of 2022 pension, public assistance to remote areas
Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, together with her team, trekked 3.3 miles into the village of Masakenari in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to deliver pension and public assistance payments for the first half of 2022.
This Minister has continued the delivery programme for pension and public assistance that was introduced in 2021 for remote communities, which allow recipients to receive their pension and public assistance payments for half of the year at one time.
Pensioners of Masakenari also received their one-off $25,000 cash grant and their July-December 2021 payments this way last year.
Minister Persaud presented the books for 2022 as well, and had the opportunity to hand over the payments and pension book to the oldest resident of Masakenari.
Residents have expressed not only their appreciation for the new delivery initiative, but also for the visit, as the team also took in hampers for the 60-plus households and toys for the children.
Dr Vindhya Persaud distributing backpacks to the children of Masakenari
While there, Dr Persaud engaged with the craftswomen of the village, sharing tips and viewing their intricately done craft pieces. She has expressed an enthusiasm to work with them through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network – WIIN programme in upskilling and developing new areas, including ICT. She has urged them to advertise on the WIIN GY App to promote their work.
The children also enjoyed quality time with the Minister, as she held an impromptu art class with them, and helped to work on their masks for Mashramani.
“Not only is Masakenari incredibly lovely and untouched, the Wai-Wai people are such warm and lovely people. There was so much to learn and see, and potential areas to work with residents.
Dr Vindhya Persaud presenting the pension booklet to the oldest resident of Masakenari
“I was extremely delighted to introduce the WIIN programme and App, and meet with the talented women of Masakenari. Although it took the team a 6-mile walk in and out of the village from the airstrip, I felt humbled to be able to personally take the key support services of pension and public assistance into Masakenari, honouring our Government’s commitment to serving all the people across the length and breadth of Guyana.
“There is work that is planned to improve connectivity there, and the people were very happy that I went in to visit,” Dr Persaud has related.
