-system criticised for long wait times, disorder
By Khamisi Slowe
The much-anticipated cash grant distribution for pensioners started yesterday but the rollout was met with widespread dissatisfaction.
While some beneficiaries successfully collected their cheques, others expressed frustration over delays, long wait times, and a perceived lack of organisation.
The $100,000 cash grant cheque distribution was implemented at National Insurance Scheme (NIS) offices and other locations nationwide and is expected to continue until Friday, January 3, 2025. At the NIS office on Brickdam, several pensioners voiced their discontent after being told their cheques were not ready and that they would need to return on Friday. One pensioner, who had been at the office since 5:00 a.m., expressed disappointment, saying, “I’ve waited here all day in the sun, only to be told my cheque isn’t ready. At 73 years old, it’s exhausting to go through this process. We are seniors and should be treated with more consideration.”
The situation was similar at the NIS Melanie Damishana Post Office, where the distribution exercise was also underway. Pensioners there shared their frustrations with Stabroek News, revealing that many had arrived as early as 6:00 a.m. after learning about the distribution on social media. They criticized the system, saying, “The pro-cess could have been better and simpler if the money was just sent to our accounts. We’re older citizens who cannot move around freely, and this crowding and waiting in long lines is too much.”
NIS Public Relations Officer, Dianne Lewis-Baxter, explained the current verification and distribution process, emphasising that officials are following procedures set by the ministry. “Ministry officials check on their tablets to verify if the cheque is here. Once verified, we collect their ID card, issue the cheque, and require the individual to sign a signature list. A photo is also taken as part of the verification pro-cess,” Lewis-Baxter said. However, Lewis-Baxter acknowledged delays for some beneficiaries whose cheques were not yet available. “Those persons whose cheque numbers are 173 and above, we’re asking them to check back on Friday. That’s the instruction we were given by the ministry officials,” she noted.
Meanwhile, many pensioners suggested that implementing an alphabetical distribution system could have reduced crowding and long wait times. “If they said Monday was for A to F and Tuesday for G to L, it would’ve been easier. Many of us can’t stand for hours or deal with the fatigue,” one pensioner declared. Despite the frustrations, some recipients expressed relief upon receiving their cheques. One pensioner shared, “I’m just happy I finally got mine. I plan to use it for house repairs. It’s a big help.” The NIS has issued a press release on its Facebook page to inform the public about the ongoing distribution exercise. Pensioners are encouraged to check the page for updates to avoid unnecessary trips to collection sites.
It is unclear how many pensioners will be able to receive cheques before the end of the year. President Irfaan Ali had said that pensioners would receive theirs before the end of November. With December at an end, it appears that many pensioners will receive their cheques next year.