By Mark DaCosta- The rollout of the $100K cash grant programme has encountered a series of delays, confusion, and logistical hurdles, raising concerns over its effective implementation. Many have found the government’s approach inconsistent and lacking in clarity, prompting sharp criticism from various quarters, including Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson.
Ferguson, a Member of Parliament (MP) for the People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR), has consistently voiced her concerns about the cash grant process through multiple platforms, including letters to the editor, social media posts, and op-eds. Her statements provide a detailed critique of the government’s handling of the grant distribution, highlighting several key issues.
The government’s original announcement in October, 2024, promised $200,000 cash grants to every household to ease the burden of rising living costs. However, this was quickly revised to $100,000, with the distribution set to be based on a voter list generated by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). An app was also to be introduced by the Ministry of Finance and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to facilitate the process. However, Ferguson had raised numerous questions about the feasibility and transparency of this approach.
Shifting narrative and lack of clarity from the government
In her op-ed and letters, Ferguson expressed concern over the shifting narrative and lack of clarity from the government. She questioned the status of the promised app, asking, “What has become of the ‘app’?” and highlighting the absence of clear communication regarding its function. The app was meant to facilitate the distribution process, however, presently, the PPP regime has stopped mentioning the app.
A significant issue Ferguson has highlighted is the registration process. While many citizens have been asked to submit personal information, including photos, Ferguson notes that this raises concerns over privacy and veri protection.
In her posts, Ferguson also criticised the lack of transparency regarding the process for cash grant distribution. Despite the government’s initial promises, she points out that there is no coherent plan for ensuring equitable access, particularly in rural and remote areas. “How will residents in far-flung areas in Rupununi encash their cheques?”
Ferguson asks, highlighting the challenges faced by rural communities that lack banking facilities. In regions such as Rupununi, residents often have to travel long distances to access banking services, incurring significant costs. Ferguson’s concerns are amplified by the fact that many villages in these areas have no access to banking facilities, making cheque encashment a major obstacle.
Furthermore, Ferguson has raised questions about the role of Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who has been tasked with overseeing the cash grant distribution. According to Ferguson, the Prime Minister has failed to provide clear answers to legitimate questions in Parliament regarding the administration of the programme.
She specifically criticised Phillips for his inability to explain why the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, rather than the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, is in charge of the distribution process. “Is this $100K a set-up for Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and him allowing himself to be used as a scapegoat?” Ferguson asked, suggesting that Phillips may be taking the fall for broader governmental failures in managing the programme.
In her ongoing critique, the outspoken MP has also emphasised the difficulties faced by pensioners in accessing the cash grant. Given that pensioners, many of whom are elderly and frail, are already required to navigate bureaucratic hurdles to receive their pensions, Ferguson has called for a more streamlined approach.
Registration process for grant coordinated with distribution of Old Age Pension books
She proposed that the registration process for the $100K grant be coordinated with the distribution of Old Age Pension (OAP) books. This, she argues, would ensure that pensioners do not face unnecessary delays or hardships when trying to register for the cash grant. Ferguson’s letter to the editor stated: “Any Government who cares genuinely for its elderly will ensure a mechanism is put in place to ensure our pensioners are registered hassle-free, avoid all bureaucracies, and having to travel distance from their homes to get registered for the $100K cash grant.”
Ferguson has also highlighted the importance of veri transparency and accuracy in the distribution process. In her op-ed, she called for the government to provide detailed lists of all eligible citizens, including pensioners, public servants, and those over 18 years of age. By ensuring that these lists are accurate and up-to-date, Ferguson argues that the government can avoid inefficiencies and reduce opportunities for corruption. She has urged the government to make this information publicly available, ensuring that the process remains transparent and accountable.
Additionally, in a Facebook post she again questioned why the government had not made arrangements for pensioners to receive their cash grants in a timely and accessible manner. She also pointed out that many public servants, teachers, and pensioners in Region 9 were expected to receive their $100K grants first, but no clear communication had been made about the timeline for disbursements in other regions. Ferguson has suggested that, rather than piecemeal announcements, the government should provide a comprehensive schedule of disbursements for all categories of beneficiaries.
As the government moves forward with the cash grant rollout, Ferguson’s critiques serve as a vital reminder of the logistical, procedural, and governance challenges that must be addressed. The lack of clear communication, ineffective coordination, and failure to meet initial promises have all contributed to growing public dissatisfaction. To avoid further confusion and disillusionment, the government must address these concerns with urgency, adopting solutions that are both practical and fair to all Guyanese, especially the most vulnerable.
While the $100K cash grant programme has the potential to offer much-needed relief to many Guyanese, its current implementation process has been fraught with problems. As Guyana navigates these challenges highlighted by the member of parliament, the government must take decisive action to ensure that all citizens can access the cash grant without unnecessary delays or obstacles.