Dear Editor,
The time for the annual distribution of Old Age Pension books is around the corner. In view of the hiccups that handicapped the elderly, sometimes severely, last year, I go out of my way to offer a few simple recommendations to the Ministry of Social Protection. These humble suggestions are laid before the Minister, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the Chief Social Protection (Security) Officer, the planners and managers of what is to be rolled out, and to the cohort of the staff of the ministry that would be facing the public. The objective is not to make anyone look bad, but what could redound to the good of all involved, from political and public officeholders to the eligible and participating public. People look good and feel good.
First, the choice of venue for distribution of books is crucial. Nobody expects 5-star hospitality, or the sprawl of the National Park. But at least let there be some consideration for a fair amount of space, as in enough of it. Last year saw too much congestion, which led to much consternation. Packing pensioners in the tight confines of a schoolyard or churchyard contributes too readily to confusion and controversy; minds too easily succumb to the negative, see devils everywhere. But let there be some satisfactory space, and not the marketplace at rush hour, please.
Second, I recognize that options may be limited, but an adjustment should also be made to stretch out the distribution frame to a longer time. Packing areas (catchments, I think they are called) and crowding the clock into a single day does not work well where hundreds of elderly, some a shade on the soft side, are left to face hours under the broiling sun. I think that this year the sun speaks for itself, and no Guyanese, young or old, could do a sharper job. And, for Christ’s sake, be in place, ready to move, and start on time!
Third, I strongly recommend a clear numbering system, as in name and sequence. Please do not repeat the rather neat trick of collecting current pension books, and then calling names later to complete what has every appearance of a cooked process. Nobody knows who came before whom, which permits those in charge of the distribution system to game it, or to cater to outside interests, and to holdup those who joined the line, and bided their time and turn. It is said that the jumbie is in the details, I think that the perversities and profanities lie in the process. Don’t let such be.
Fourth, there must be people from the ministry to be ready at all times to provide satisfactory answers to pensioners, who think that they are being tricked, or need an urgent hand. Plus, there must be provision – manpower, supplies – for the crowd considering the searing heat.
Fifth, better arrangements should be made for ‘special cases’ meaning relationships of a certain upwardly linked kind. Take care of them out of sight at the ministry, or through whatever process works. But, don’t hold the patient, long-suffering crowd hostage. Please, let there be an end to the line busting and line jumping, which were considerable and conspicuous, no matter how cleverly camouflaged. In any other locale, there would have been a police affair, as in something that looks like a geriatric riot. If the minister and ministry’s officials were to listen, Guyanese who have served this country long and well may have something of which to be pleased and proud, a blueprint. I would laud.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
