The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) says it is deeply concerned over the growing frustration and hardship experienced by thousands of Guyanese citizens in the application and distribution processes for the Government’s $100,000 cash grant initiative.
It notes that across the country, citizens, particularly senior citizens, vulnerable persons, and residents in rural and hinterland communities, have been voicing complaints about cumbersome registration procedures, lengthy waiting periods, lack of communication, and uncertainty regarding the protection and handling of their personal information.
“The Government promised Guyanese a smooth and speedy payout process. However, the reality facing many citizens is one of confusion, inconvenience, and unacceptable delays.
Reports indicate that in numerous cases, persons have waited more than one month after completing the registration process and are still unable to access the grant that the Government publicly announced and politically promoted,” the party said.
It added that it is deeply troubling that elderly citizens, some of whom are forced to travel long distances, stand in extended lines, repeatedly revisit registration centres, or depend on others for transportation, are being subjected to unnecessary stress and hardship to receive assistance that was promised to them.
The APNU pointed out that the current process reflects poor planning, weak administrative coordination, and a “troubling disregard for the dignity and time of the Guyanese people”.
“Public assistance initiatives should never become exercises in frustration and bureaucracy,” APNU noted.
The party is calling on the government to urgently:
“Simplify the registration and verification procedures; Eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles; Ensure greater transparency regarding the handling of citizens’ personal information;Increase staffing and operational efficiency at distribution centres;Prioritise senior citizens and vulnerable persons; and act with urgency and dispatch to release the funds immediately after registration and verification are completed.”
