Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said the government’s revised $100,000 cash grant initiative is a more equitable and transparent approach.
He emphasised that the initiative was a key element of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) 2020 election manifesto.
Jagdeo’s comments came just a day after President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the one-time cash grant of $100,000 for every citizen aged 18 and above, replacing an earlier proposal of $200,000 per household. The revision came in response to widespread concerns over the practicality and fairness of the initial plan.
He praised President Ali for revising the plan to target individuals rather than households, a move that he argued would ensure broader inclusivity and fairness.
“The $200,000 per household was a nightmare on the practical level,” Jagdeo said.
“We had to reconsider it by Friday afternoon after receiving substantial feedback, including concerns about fairness and the risk of massive fraud.
“We could not count on the goodwill of the people alone to make it work,” Jagdeo added.
Jagdeo explained that the new $100,000 grant per individual would reach more citizens directly and allow for better oversight, though it would cost the government more than the initial $60B considered.
The initiative will primarily distribute funds through chequee rather than cash to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of mismanagement.
Jagdeo also acknowledged the challenges posed to residents in remote and hinterland areas, where access to banks for cashing cheque might be limited. He assured that alternative arrangements would be made to ensure that citizens in these regions would still receive their grants.
“We are fully aware of the difficulties people in the hinterland, remote areas might face in accessing banks. We will implement measures to ensure they are not left out,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted that the cash grant initiative would be subject to rigorous auditing processes to ensure transparency and accountability. He also stated that citizens would be required to collect their grants in person.
“We want to make sure that every cent is accounted for, and that every eligible citizen receives their grant in a fair and transparent manner,” Jagdeo emphasized.
The government aims to complete the distribution of grants within five months.
Jagdeo further underscored the government’s commitment to using Guyana’s oil revenues responsibly to improve the lives of all citizens, asserting that the oil boom has already been used to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and support social programs like the cash grant initiative.
“This is not a ‘pie in the sky’ promise,” Jagdeo declared. “The oil resources are being used to benefit every Guyanese—whether through jobs, grants, or better infrastructure.”
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