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Georgetown, Guyana (Credible Sources) Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has promised improvements to the government’s cash grant distribution process following reports of disorganization and delays. Speaking at his weekly press conference on December 27, 2024, Jagdeo admitted that the rush to issue $100,000 grants before year-end caused logistical challenges and pledged a more streamlined approach moving forward.
Jagdeo acknowledged the frustration expressed by teachers and public servants who faced long waits and confusion. “We should have devised a better system,” he said, noting that inviting all recipients to collect checks at once, regardless of verification status, created unnecessary disappointment. Steps will be taken, he assured, to ensure smoother communication and better management in future distributions.
In urban areas, where recipients gathered in large numbers, bottlenecks were more severe. Jagdeo pointed to the success of the village-based distribution method in hinterland regions as a model for addressing such challenges. He emphasized the need for a decentralized system in densely populated areas to prevent overcrowding and streamline access.
For the remaining five regions yet to receive their cash grants, Jagdeo confirmed distribution will begin after the 2025 budget is passed. Additional funds will be allocated to ensure that all registered individuals receive their grants. “No one who has registered will be left out,” he said, urging patience as the government works through the logistics.
Jagdeo provided updates on the program’s progress, citing a report from the Ministry of Finance. To date, 366,473 people have registered, with 245,436 checks printed and over 100,000 already distributed. The program remains on track to continue into early 2025, with registrations and check-cutting ongoing.
Addressing claims of irregularities, including allegations of checks cut to deceased individuals, Jagdeo refuted the accusations as baseless. He explained that registration requires in-person verification and photographs, making such occurrences impossible. “This is just another attempt to undermine public confidence,” he stated.
Jagdeo assured that systems are being designed to accommodate individuals with unique circumstances, such as miners, fishermen, or those temporarily abroad. These measures, he said, will guarantee that all eligible Guyanese receive their grants regardless of their situation.
With lessons learned from this phase, Jagdeo highlighted plans to adopt digital solutions and decentralized distribution points for greater efficiency. He expressed confidence that these adjustments will prevent a repeat of the issues experienced during this rollout, ensuring that citizens can benefit from the initiative without unnecessary inconvenience.
The Vice President has reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, emphasizing that all efforts are aimed at improving public welfare and enhancing trust in its programs.
