Dear Editor,
We all are on the same page when it comes to the amount placed on the amount earmarked for the COVID-19 cash grant. We can all agree that this sum should have been substantially higher, let us say four times higher than what is stipulated. I am of that view, judging from the fact that times are very hard. However, one has to be sympathetic to the Government’s side of the coin, and realise that times are also tough for them too, they have to take care of an entire country with very many issues, pressing and urgent.
Be that as it may, the Government have been entrusted with the task of ensuring that the money is delivered to the households that need it, and it does not get wasted in frivolous nonsense or fall into the hands of undeserving individuals. This is the prime objective of the payout plan.
Now, here is where the rubber hits the road, and there are two glaring misconceptions we have to clear up. In the first place, some folks are of the opinion that this money is to be given to the heads of households, and not to individuals of households. This misguided idea had to be dealt with swiftly, so that there could be a smooth flow of the cash payout. So, the Government had to put plans in place to stem that widespread discontent that has gripped the country.
To this end, there was the implementation of the pink slip, which meant that the original payout to head of house lot or household had to be amended. This, in its truest sense, ironed out the anomaly that there is only one head in a household. A typical case in point is several households live in one house. Now, filling out that pink slip meant there would be some delay in the payout process as follow up checks will have to be made on the claimants. This brought angry outbursts from some members of the public, who insisted that the officers pay them first, then do whatever background checks they may want to carry out.
But as much as I am in sympathy with the pink slip folks, I am also sympathetic to the Government, knowing fully well that crooks abound, many when these cash payouts are made and the present process is no different, with so many persons laying claim to their rights to being a household head. From experience, I know those slippery crooks will get around the system and get through; some of them did.
The cash payout is not perfect, and with the present system of loopholes, some legitimate recipients were bound to suffer. But I am confident that the authorities will find a way in getting that much needed package to those who most need it.
The second aspect of discontent is a political and racial issue, and I will not dwell on that, only dismissing it as another attempt of an Opposition’s decorated hogwash.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
