-process marred at Education Ministry
By Khamisi Slowe
Hundreds of public servants across several ministries in the city began collecting their $100,000 cash grant cheques from the government but there was confusion at a Ministry of Education site and the process is set to continue there today.
No figure has yet been given by the government on how many cheques have been handed out. It had been suggested that around 300,000 cheques will be handed out to those 18 and over by the end of the year but it appears that the figure will be much lower than that with the bulk to be paid next year.
The distribution for teachers and Ministry of Education staff began yesterday morning at the Ministry’s 21 Brickdam office. However, due to an unexpectedly large turnout, the process was quickly relocated to St. Stanislaus College to better accommodate the growing number of recipients.
The commencement of the cash grant distribution at the Ministry of Education was marred by confusion and disorganization, with many recipients unsure of where to go or whether to wait in line. The absence of a proper numbering system or clear directions also exacerbated the unfolding confusion. The distribution was originally slated to commence at 9:00 a.m. but persons had lined up outside the 21 Brickdam compound from as early as 7:00 a.m. The situation quickly became chaotic as scores of people arrived, only to be turned away after learning they were not pre-registered. Those redirected to St. Stanislaus College faced long wait times, with frustrations mounting by midday.
By 12:30 pm, several teachers and staff began complaining over the slow pace of the distribution and poor communication. One teacher, visibly frustrated, shared, “We waited hours in this weather, only to be told our names weren’t on the list, even though we had registered. The process is very disorganized because we didn’t have to go anywhere to register—they came to our school.”
Last evening the Minis-try of Education posted a notice that the process will continue today.
“The Ministry of Finance will continue to distribute Cheques of $100,000 (today) at the St Stanislaus College for teachers of Georgetown schools and public officers employed at any of the Georgetown offices of the Ministry of Education.
“If you missed the opportunity to visit Saint Stanislaus College (yesterday) for your $100,000 cash grant cheque, our team will continue with distribution tomorrow, Tuesday, at the same location from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“Please note that this applies only to teachers and officers who are on the Ministry of Education’s payroll and who were unable to visit today’s distribution site.
Please note further, if you were present today but unable collect your cheque the Ministry of Finance assures that a new date will be communicated to you soonest”, the notice said.
Potential
However, concerns remained among teachers about potential delays in accessing their grants. A Ministry of Education officer explained that names of those who did not receive cheques would be submitted to the Ministry of Finance for verification, a process that could take additional time. While some teachers expressed relief upon receiving their cheques, others criticized the lack of organization. One recipient shared her plans for the grant: “I’m planning to use this money to buy Christmas gifts for my children. It’s a blessing to have this extra support during the holidays.” Another noted, “The money will help me pay off some bills. It’s not a lot, but it makes a difference.” Another stumbling block some recipients encountered were their inability to immediately encash their cheques, further increasing their frustration. Some compared the process as similar to the disorganized registration process.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand had announced on Sunday via Facebook that approximately 3,000 cheques were slated for distribution to teachers and public officers registered with the Ministry of Education in Georgetown. She clarified that only those who had pre-registered would receive cheques. The MoE’s initiative was spearheaded by Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and other ministry officials.
Several other government ministries and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) commenced their cash grant distribution yesterday. The GPHC announced via its Facebook page that staff would be contacted by their respective departments. Staff from the Office of the Prime Minister and associated agencies received their $100,000 grants yesterday. A release from the Prime Minister’s office noted that Prime Minister Mark Phillips personally participated in the cheque distribution process. Staff of the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority received their $100,000.00 cash grant yesterday. Minister Collin Croal and Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen were present to oversee the distribution. Stabroek News also understands that the cash grant distribution for staff from the Ministries of Health and Legal Affairs is expected to commence by today.
During a recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had acknowledged that while the government is working to expedite the process, not all eligible persons will receive their grants before Christmas and or the end of 2024. He noted that pensioners and public servants are being prioritized. In total, the initiative is expected to benefit around 300,000 Guyanese by the end of 2024. Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh emphasized that only registered individuals are eligible for the grants. The government recently sought $30.5 billion in supplementary funding to cover grants for half of the eligible for 2024, with the remainder to be distributed next year following the reading of the 2025 Budget Estimates.
The initiative follows President Irfaan Ali’s October announcement of a $200,000 cash grant per household, later revised to $100,000 per adult. Since then, conflicting information regarding the timeline of payouts created confusion in the public. While the cash grant has been welcomed as a much-needed boost, its execution has faced significant challenges. The government has pledged to address these issues to ensure a smoother process in the coming days.
Payments have been made in parts of the hinterland including Regions 1, 8 and 9.
