Over $13M in “Because We Care” grants distributed in Wismar Hill

Parents and guardians of students attending the Wismar Hill Primary and Nursery Schools turned out in their numbers on Friday to receive the Government’s “Because We Care” and school uniform and supplies cash grants in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Over $13 million was distributed to approximately 684 students.
According a DPI report, a father, Collis Jarvis, and a few other parents expressed their appreciation to the Government for the timely initiative.
“First of all, I must say I’m out of a job right now because my foot ain’t too good you understand, $19,000 ain’t bad you know and as a taxpayer I appreciate this grant, you know, it save me a lot so that ah could go now and do something fuh de kids and I must say thanks,” Jarvis said.

Another parent, Wonda Samuels said, “It benefit me a great lot because I’m a single parent and I’m not working at the moment and I’m very thankful for this.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Carleena Edwards, who noted that, “This will benefit me textbook wise cause the last voucher was shared I purchased school clothes. Book wise and tablet, so I’m grateful for it.”
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, who overlooked the distribution of the grants at the Wismar Hill Primary, assured the parents and guardians that the Government is people-oriented.
“Never feel that the Government is doing some special favour [for] you, we have a responsibility to you. Importantly in large measure the money you will collect today belongs to you anyhow. Because as a worker you pay taxes.”
Minister Hamilton also urged the parents to ensure they use the monies for the development of their children.
“We will hope that you will see the wider picture how it contributes to your community, how it contributes to your region, you ensure it contributes to [your] children’s welfare.”
Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted the importance of persons getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Distribution of the “Because We Care” cash grant continues in Region 10 on Monday, July 26.
Collectively, parents of some 11,600 students in the public education system in Region 10 are scheduled to receive more than $200 million in grants.
Since the rollout of the “Because We Care” programme last week, hundreds of millions of dollars have already been distributed in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
The reintroduction of the “Because We Care” cash grant to children in public schools is another manifesto promise fulfilled by the PPP/C Government. The programme, which was initially started at $10,000 by the previous PPP/C Administration, was discontinued under the APNU/AFC regime.
The current PPP/C Government has increased the cash grant to $15,000, as well as the school uniform and supplies voucher from $2000 to $4000. Hence, each child registered in the public school system will receive $19,000.
Approximately 172,000 students will benefit from the $3.2 billion programme countrywide.