Dr Singh – Gov’t committed to improving the wellbeing of elderly

700 pensioners benefit from Salvation Army’s annual hamper distribution

On Monday, approximately 700 pensioners and persons from vulnerable groups, benefitted from the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas hamper distribution at its head office on Alexander Street.

It was disclosed that the government supported the initiative and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh was in attendance to distribute the hampers.

Dr Singh during his remarks reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing old-age pension to $40,000 within its first five years in office.

“Speaking as a representative of this government, I will tell you this because I know I can speak on behalf of my president, under the stewardship of President Irfaan Ali, you will be getting more,” he said.

Acknowledging that there are several persons having issues with accessing their pension, the minister noted, “My commitment to you is that we will continue to roll out outreaches in order to address as many of the NIS problems, as we possibly can.”

The finance minister said that the PPP/C Government under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali will work towards improving the welfare of the elderly and persons living with disabilities. This, the minister said, is in keeping with the president’s ‘One Guyana’ vision.

In media related interviews some beneficiaries of hampers expressed their sentiments. “I am very, very much pleased and thank God that we could receive the Christmas hampers, it would do us good and everything, it’s a help to us.” Ernestine Rodrigues said.

Donette Fowler noted, “I feel so happy and blessed in the name of Jesus. I’m happy that I’m here, my mother was a salvation army, she died years ago and I always want to visit […] it’s a real help to me because I am not working.”