The Alliance For Change (AFC) yesterday reiterated its support for conditional cash transfers from oil revenues as a means of ensuring that “traditionally neglected segments” of Guyana ‘s population are able to benefit meaningfully from the country’s wealth.
A statement from the party said that while the AFC is in the process of formulating a more comprehensive policy position to advance to the Guyanese people, “we believe strongly that the concept has merit and should not be dismissed without the benefit of further examination”.
The AFC says its policy will explore several indirect initiatives which can benefit Guyanese, including: low interest loans, improved health care, free education, enhanced pensions and NIS benefits, greater access to affordable housing and conditional cash transfers.
“The AFC believes that cash transfers tied to social programmes and responsible civic behaviour have been proven to work in other countries. There are numerous successful models worldwide which have brought significant social adjustments to marginalized people and catalysed further socioeconomic progress”, the party said.
It cited Brazil’s “Bolsa Familia” under which poor families with children must ensure their children attend school and are vaccinated in order to qualify for and remain in the programme. The AFC said it believes that there is scope for similar initiatives here.
