Govt’s one-off cash grant, distributed to Region Three pensioners, expresses gratitude for initiative

Reinforcing its commitment to improving the livelihood of senior citizens, the government on
Monday rolled out the $25,000 one-off cash grant to pensioners in Region Three.
The ministry said that the campaign spearheaded by Human Services and Social Security
Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, seeks to provide financial support to pensioners for an additional
month. It said that scores of citizens awaiting the grant at the various distribution sites welcomed
it and lauded the government for the support. Expressing gratitude was Radica Singh, a 71-year-
old pensioner. She said that she is thankful to the government for the grant. “I am so glad that we
get an extra income and I am very happy for the government. The money will do some much,”
Singh said.

Expressing similar sentiments was 69-year-old Deokie Singh. “It’s good. I accept it because you
know sometimes you does get a little extra thing to do, it come in useful,” she said.
Meanwhile, another pensioner, Denise Branford expressed gratitude and hopes it can be
increased. “The hardship we face as pensioners are groceries, it is so expensive, everything in the
shop is so expensive and when you get that little pension to pay light bill, to pay water bill its
very expensive … I am so thankful, thankful to the ministry so that they would able to give us
something and I trust god next year we get better,” Branford said. N
The minister said that understanding the hardships faced by pensioners, the government
implemented the one-off grant to provide them with the financial support needed amidst the
pandemic. She noted that along with the grant, pensioners are also receiving their 2022 old age
pension booklets.
Minister Persaud pointed out that some of the distribution centres in Region Three include
Patentia, Wales, Belle Vue, Canal No.2, Parfaite Harmonie, Vreed-en-hoop, Lenora and Tuschen
among others.
She stressed that all distribution sites are in the vicinity of the money transfer agencies such as
Moneygram, Western Union and Surepay to ensure the process is smooth and timely. Pensioners
are also advised to encash their vouchers before November 30.