Dear Editor,
Finally, some good news coming to me about the cash grant distribution process. Let it never be said that I am looking for holes so as to tear the PPP Government and its people to pieces because of less than surly objectives. I go slowly and with some regard for the sequence of developments. Opposition MP, Ms. Annette Ferguson, wrote a letter that was in SN in which she made a common-sense recommendation. When old age pensioners arrive at sites to collect their 2025 pension books, they could and should be registered at that time for the $100k cash grant. What could be more practical than such a consideration? Shortly afterwards, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (got that one right this time) announced that citizens collecting next year’s pension book would be able to register for the cash grant. Bully for the ministry! Was that responsive or what on the part of the ministry?
Then, I reached out to a few persons in different locations and heard only the encouraging. Their registration at the NIS encountered some lines, which is to be expected, but the registration process was smooth and swift as a late model Mercedes. Holding aside concerns for the time being about scans being done for both the front and back of national identification cards (that all-important, revealing barcode), and the additional step of individual photographing (as repeatedly stressed by government head people), the reports from brethren are that all went well. To this point, the handful of Guyanese to whom I have spoken have articulated that they had a good registration experience. I commend the government workers at the sites, and the PPP Government for what has the pleasing about it, so far.
Last, I have been receiving a flurry of messages sent by friends and well-meaning citizens, as they come across them hot off the government’s social media presses. My observation is that there are several registration sites for different areas. The question of whether they are or were enough, and how well-manned they were will be settled in due time. This should be gleaned by those who pass through the process. For the capital city, I noticed a slew of sites, including the Roman Catholic Cathedral at Brickdam. How is that for convenience and consideration for someone in my place! Even better yet, I lay a word in the public domain to record my special gratitude to the PPP Government for their care and kindness with me in mind. When I scanned the list of Georgetown registration sites, there are three of them within walking distance from where I am typing. And, these do not include the familiar Brickdam Cathedral.
Now, how thoughtful is that for a development? Who is there in Guyana that could better something that has all that regard for an old-timer and known troublemaker like me? The more I wrack my mind for any kind of answer, the bigger the blank wall that I face. To the PPP Government and its bright lights: well done, sirs! All in all, and to this juncture, the registration process has been a solid and serene experience for those who relayed their happy stories to me. I plan on testing this for myself in a few. When and where shall remain under lock and key for now.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall