The government has expressed its displeasure at what it sees as a disinformation campaign orchestrated by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) regarding the registration process for the $100,000 cash-grant initiative and declared its commitment to protecting the process against fraud and misinformation, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated yesterday.
It accused the PNCR and WPA of issuing “baseless and mischievous” press releases which falsely claim that registrants are being interrogated about their voting history in the last General and Regional Elections, with the purpose of collecting data for rigging the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
The government denied the claim, describing it as a “preposterous and unfounded accusation” intended to “sow distrust” among the population in hopes of derailing the cash grant initiative.
The release iterated the government’s intention regarding the cash grant initiative, which is to bring financial relief to every Guyanese citizen aged 18 and older, regardless of political affiliation, and underpinned by a transparent process.
“The opposition’s deliberate attempts to distort this stringent effort are not only irresponsible but also a blatant disservice to the very people they claim to represent. Their actions reveal a strategy rooted in divisiveness and fear-mongering, seeking to undermine a programme that benefits all Guyanese.”
The government reminded that as part of its efforts to ensure a robust and transparent process that upholds the integrity of the $100,000 cash grant initiative, the following strict measures have been implemented to ensure accountability and fairness.
A) To register, individuals must present their valid National Identification Card (ID) or valid passport. Photocopies will not be accepted. These official documents are the only acceptable forms of identification used to confirm that the applicant is a Guyanese citizen aged 18 or older, making them eligible to receive the cash grant.
B) During registration, a photo of the applicant will be taken to verify their physical presence and ensure that the person who collects the cash grant is the same individual who registered. Additionally, a photo of the applicant’s ID or passport will also be taken to validate that the information on the document matches the person registering.
The release also emphasised that each eligible individual is entitled to register and receive the $100,000 cash grant only once and warned that attempts to defraud the system or manipulate the process will lead to serious legal consequences under the laws of Guyana. It also cautioned citizens to ignore deceptive advice from the political opposition, which it claims, has “irresponsibly encouraged individuals to provide only their ID number.” Failure to comply with the full registration requirements will result in disqualification from receiving the cash grant, it added.
The government also assured that it remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering equitable and meaningful assistance to every eligible citizen. “We urge Guyanese to reject these falsehoods and focus on the facts. This initiative is for the people, and the Government will not be derailed by political opportunism and deceit from the opposition operatives,” the release added.
