The government is taking action in response to reports of fraudulent pension book activities, possibly involving duplicated books, which may be linked to organized criminal networks.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday confirmed at a press conference that police are actively investigating the matter, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding pensioners’ benefits.
“Some of the books may have been duplicated by individuals, and we are concerned that pensioners might not get their due payments,” Jagdeo explained. “We’ve asked the police to investigate and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Jagdeo revealed that the administration is working on enhancing security features in the new pension books to prevent further fraud.
“The new books will include additional security features to make them difficult to replicate. I hope this doesn’t delay the printing process, but it’s crucial for protecting our pensioners,” he said.
These measures come in the wake of social media posts about the distribution of pension books, which the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security debunked via its Facebook page yesterday stating that “Please disregard any announcement that there is pension book distribution happening anywhere. There is misinformation being spread,” the Ministry stated. “Any official distribution schedule will be placed here and publicly announced by MHSSS.”
Jagdeo also pointed to an increase in pension rates for next year, stating that the amount will rise from $36,000 to $41,000 per month.
The ministry on its Facebook page yesterday also said that dates for the distribution of the 2025 pension books will be announced in due course.
“We are aware that since the early distribution of the pension books began 2021, there is an expectation of early distribution. We have done that for 3 years.
“The 2025 books will be distributed this year as we have done before but just a bit later in the year, and the dates will be announced by us.
“Please note that the options of the Bank deposits and MMG remain available and do not require books. Feel free to utilize these options also. We regret any inconvenience”, the ministry said.
On September 17 this year, the ministry said it had discovered that unauthorized copies of old age pension and permanent disability books have been submitted for encashment at post offices and other payment venues.
In a statement, the ministry said that these books do not bear the security features and colours of the official books and that all of the information and evidence in its possession had been handed over to the police.
“An investigation will be undertaken by them and anyone involved in this will face the full force of (the) law. Any person who presents these books will also be held accountable”, the ministry said.
The ministry added that it has also requested its staff and the Guyana Post Office and alternate payment venues to heighten their vigilance as it relates to these books.
