The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has raised sharp criticisms against the government’s recently launched $200,000 cash grant initiative, labeling it as an “ad hoc” and “electioneering” scheme. During an October 25 press conference, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton and Shadow Minister Ganesh Mahipaul detailed their concerns over what they see as poorly structured, reactionary decision-making from the PPP-led government, including recent changes to the eligibility criteria for diaspora Guyanese.
Norton underscored what he called a lack of planning and consistency within the government’s approach to addressing the high cost of living. “Every time Jagdeo, Ali, and the PPP speak about the one-off cash grant, they manifest their incompetence, lack of a plan, and the divisions that exist in the PPP,” he stated. The initiative, initially announced as an “instantaneous” benefit by President Irfaan Ali, quickly shifted to a five-month timeline and later included a significant change in eligibility criteria, with Vice President Jagdeo recently adding that diaspora Guyanese would qualify if physically present in Guyana.
This back-and-forth has fueled Norton’s view that the grant is ultimately a scheme to distribute funds to party loyalists under the guise of financial relief. “The announcement by Second VP Jagdeo that Guyanese overseas with national identification cards will receive the $100,000 cash grant is just another avenue for the corrupt PPP elite, their families, friends, and favourites to enrich themselves at the expense of the people of Guyana,” he asserted. Highlighting that diaspora Guyanese are not directly impacted by local inflation, Norton questioned the purpose behind their inclusion, describing it as a “wild cat scheme,” while not totally opposing the measure.
Norton also referenced prior allegations that some PPP activists had used fraudulent methods to influence recent elections. “This diaspora’s entitlement opens new opportunities for more PPP corruption since it is well known that the PPP has the ID cards of many of its supporters who reside overseas, and the same way they misused them in the General and Regional Elections in 2020, they are likely to do the same in this nefarious scheme concocted by Jagdeo,” he warned.
Mahipaul echoed these concerns, questioning the government’s allocation of funds. “How is it you had no money to pay a little below 15,000 teachers, but you are finding money to pay thousands of Guyanese in the diaspora?” Mahipaul asked, suggesting that the government’s prioritization of funds for the grant over teacher salary increases reflects political motives rather than genuine assistance to those most affected by rising living costs.
Calling for measures to prevent misuse, Norton suggested that distribution be closely monitored, proposing that Opposition-appointed scrutineers be included in the distribution process to verify each recipient. “This will go a far way in ensuring transparency and accountability and avoid a repeat of the corruption and discrimination that marred the Covid-19 cash transfer,” Norton said, alluding to past government initiatives that he claims were marred by mismanagement and favoritism.
The PNCR did, however, welcome one recent government concession to extend eligibility for the grant to young people turning 18 by December 31, 2024, rather than the originally proposed January 2024 cutoff. Norton described this adjustment as a minor win but insisted that “PPP mischief is afoot,” reiterating that the initiative’s inconsistencies point to an overarching agenda that benefits select PPP affiliates ahead of the 2025 elections.
