Extended cash grant distribution to be wrapped up by March 31

Government has announced that the extended cash grant distribution exercise targeting those who may have missed their cheques would be wrapped up by March 31.
This is according to an updated notice that was released by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday. That notice is a reminder that persons who are still to uplift their cash grants can do so at their Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
In a notice on Monday, the ministry had noted that “eligible beneficiaries who were unable to collect their $100,000 cash grant during the scheduled distribution exercise in their village are advised to visit the nearest NDC in their village. Where the beneficiaries reside in regions without NDCs, the grant will be available at the RDC.
“For residents in Georgetown, the cash grant will be available at the National Gymnasium. These locations are open to the public from 09:00h to 16:00h on Monday to Friday, excluding holidays,” the notice had also said.
The notice had also reminded persons to bring a valid ID Card or passport to uplift the cash grant. Further, it has been explained that authorization letters would not be accepted for persons to collect the cash grant on behalf of others.
“But arrangements may be made with the NDC or RDC for the cash grant to be delivered to the homes of beneficiaries who are senior citizens, differently-abled, housebound or hospitalized,” Monday’s notice had said.
Meanwhile, in the updated notice on Tuesday, the ministry explained that all locations would be open to the public for this distribution exercise until March 31, 2025.
With over 490,000 cheques distributed from the $100,000 per adult cash grant initiative, the Finance Ministry is anticipating that at least 95 per cent of the entire process can be completed by the end of this month.
Approximately 600,000 Guyanese aged 18 and above are eligible for the cash grant, which was first announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali in October last year. Temporary centres have been established countrywide to facilitate registration and distribution of the cash grant.
Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has explained that even after these centres are closed, persons who are yet to register or receive their cheques can do so at their respective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), or at other similar offices.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had meanwhile recently urged shut-ins not to stand in long lines at the cash grant distribution centres countrywide, assuring that Government would put systems in place to have the cheques delivered to them.
While acknowledging some issues with the processes nationwide, the Vice President had also emphasized that the majority of beneficiaries have had positive experiences. Dr Jagdeo has also commended the efficiency of staff at distribution points.
One of the more widespread rumours that had caused unnecessary panic among recipients was the belief that the cheques are only valid for three days. This misinformation has led many to rush to the banks, eager to cash in their cheques before they expire. As a result, some individuals have been reportedly discounting their cheques, offering to cash them for a smaller sum, with a portion of the money going to the middleman – something Government has warned against. The reality is that all cheques are valid for a six-month period.