“Use the banks” – Region 5 Councillor urges pensioners

…to reduce long queues, improving comfort for elderly pensioners at post office

A call for pensioners to open bank accounts to facilitate direct payment of their monthly benefits was made during Thursday’s Regional Democratic Council meeting in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
This call comes as concerns were raised over the poor state of post offices, particularly at Weldaad, where elderly recipients are often forced to endure long lines and inadequate facilities, including a lack of seating, prompting officials to advocate for a change toward the banking system.

The issue was raised from the opposition side of the council, with members highlighting the condition of several post offices across the region and the inconvenience faced by pensioners who rely on these facilities to collect their payments. Specific reference was made to the Weldaad Post Office, where the lack of proper accommodation, including seating, continues to pose challenges for elderly persons who must often stand for extended periods while waiting to be served.
Against this backdrop, government councillor and former educator and cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud urged a transition toward the use of the banking system, noting that the necessary mechanisms are already in place to facilitate direct payments.
“A bank account is very essential so that there will come a time when the pensions can be transferred right into the bank account. It will ease people from going and lining up at post offices and so on,” Persaud said.
He added that greater emphasis must now be placed on encouraging pensioners to adopt the system.
“That’s something we need to look at so we can give the education and courage to others,” he noted.
The move toward direct bank payments, however, requires pensioners to first open accounts and submit their banking information to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, after which their monthly pensions can be deposited directly, eliminating the need to visit post offices.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Ricardo Phillips underscored the scale of government support to pensioners, noting that significant financial resources are being injected into the region through pension payments.
“There are just over 6,900 pensioners in Region Five, and the annual bill will be about $455.5 million. This is a lot of money that will be put into the region… and will make meaningful contributions to the lives and livelihoods of pensioners,” Phillips said.
He added that the increase in pension payments forms part of broader national efforts under President Irfaan Ali to improve the welfare of citizens.
Vice Chairman Kleon Lindey, in his remarks, called on councillors to work collectively in addressing issues affecting residents, urging greater engagement at the community level.
“Let us continue to work together to bring development to the citizenry of Region Number Five… the people have voted for us to represent them and it is our duty to do so meaningfully,” Lindey said.
He emphasised that development must be a shared responsibility, with all councillors actively engaging residents to better understand and respond to their concerns.