Reducing frustration of old age pensioners results in early pension book reduction

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said that the early
distribution of the 2022 old-age pension books by her ministry is geared at reducing the
frustration of Guyana’s senior citizens.
Minister Persaud said that the government commenced the distribution of the pension books
earlier this month, months before the customary end of year. She noted that the distribution has
allowed citizens, 65 years and older, to secure their books, reducing the hassle many endure at
the end of each year. Dr. Persaud said that this is the first time the government is moving in this
direction. She made this statement on Wednesday during an interview on Radio Essequibo 95.5.
“When I got into the ministry one thing that struck me was the time that it took for pensioners to
get their books for the forth coming year. In fact, it always seems to be very difficult for them
and they were frustrated so this year, I wanted it to be very different for them to have a better
experience,” she said.
Dr. Persaud said,a lot of work was put into ensuring the pensioners receive their 2022 booklets
early. She said most of the Regions have already been completed. “So, I think the pensioners are
armed and ready with their 2022 pension booklet in due time,” she noted.
The human services and social security minister pointed out that along with the distribution of
the pension booklets, some 65,000 old age pensioners have also been benefitting from the
government’s $25,000 one-off cash grant. She said that her ministry has placed distribution
centres in convenient areas to allowing pensioners to cash their vouchers at post offices or
money transfer agencies such as MoneyGram, and Western Union.
Minister Persaud noted that additionally, a countrywide registration exercise was conducted to
ensure public assistance recipients and persons living with disabilities benefit from the
government’s $25,000 one-off cash grant initiative. This, she said will see her ministry
conducting a similar exercise from November 1 -4 to ensure all vulnerable citizens benefit.
Dr. Persaud also introduced the ‘shut-in’ programme for old age pensioners who have difficulties
visiting nearby distribution outlets. She noted that the initiative will see officers distributing
pensions every afternoon during the week. “What we also did was to expand the shut-in
numbers. Late last year, we started the shut-in delivery, so which means if people are bedridden
or for some reason it is difficult for them to get their pension, maybe they are visually impaired,
something is not okay with them, they are very ill, you can encourage them to sign up for the
shut-in distribution system,” the minister said.
She added that pensioners also have the option of surrendering their booklets and signing up for
the banking system and have their pension deposited into their accounts within the first five days
of every month.