Tracy Romalho, February 17, 2025
Education Minister Priya Manickchand has criticized opposition leader Aubrey Norton’s recent proposal to impose conditions on the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant.
Norton, during a press conference, suggested that if his coalition wins the upcoming elections, his government would tie the distribution of the grant to student attendance.
Manickchand addressed the issue, stating that the current eligibility criteria for the cash grant already ensure that students are registered and attending school.
The verification process for this involves teachers submitting class registers, which are then verified by headteachers, education officers, and the Ministry of Education.
The minister pointed out that such a proposal from the opposition was not in the best interest of students.
She reminded the public that during the previous administration, the cash grant had been withdrawn, unlike the current government, which reintroduced it in 2020 and has steadily increased the grant amount each year.
This year, over 205,000 children are set to benefit from the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, with each child receiving $55,000, as well as an additional $5,000 for uniforms.