Over $58 million was disbursed in Region Two yesterday by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Anna Regina to over 1,500 part-time workers.
The workers showed up in their numbers to uplift their cash payments. Many of them were seen very early joining lines in the RDC compound. The payment of $40,000 was made to them for 10 days’ work in June.
The government’s part-time work programme has raised questions about its design and whether any substantial tasks are being done.
Speaking with Stabroek News in the RDC compound, the Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack, said that the temporary workers are attached to five different programmes within the Regional Administration. Those programmes are Public Works, Education, Health, Agriculture and Administration, and under the programmes, there are different divisions which are overseen by various departmental supervisors. She added that at the end of the day the supervisors and the programme managers would submit timesheets for the workers. The timesheets are also verified by a committee that was formed by the Regional Administration.
Region Two Chairperson Vilma Da Silva told the workers that she was satisfied with the work done and assured them that they are being monitored continuously. Da Silva opined that the temporary jobs allowed persons to elevate themselves while at the same time working.
One temporary employee, 18-year-old Olinda Ridley, said that she is currently enjoying the experience as a patient care assistant at the Suddie Public Hospital. Ridley disclosed that she had applied several times in the past for a job but was unsuccessful. She said that she is content knowing that she is earning and also learning on the job.
Another temporary worker, Ashley Amarnauth, who is also doing patient care at the Suddie Public Hospital said that she has learned a lot during her attachment. She added that she is trying her best to ensure that she attends all ten days.
“This first payment will help with transportation and some I will have to save but I will ensure that I put my money in good use,” Amarnauth was quoted as saying.
A single mother of three, Luscel Henericks said that she is very thankful for the job. She is living at Capoey and is attached to the Capoey nursery school. She said that she is happy with the job and wishes that it continues beyond the year.
Meanwhile, other workers that joined the lines for payment expressed satisfaction with the part-time job.
“I won’t complain, I am happy about it and I am learning a lot, the work sometimes is a lot but with every challenge comes experience,” a worker explained.
The part-time work was announced by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo while on a visit to the Essequibo Coast. He said that it was the intention to create jobs for at least one person in every household to help cushion the rising cost of living.
