Hinterland leaders are welcoming the $100,000 cash grant, noting that it will bring direct financial relief to the people.
The initiative targets all Guyanese aged 18 and over, with special measures in place to ensure that those living in riverain and far-flung areas are not excluded.
Toshao of Wiruni, in Region 10, Rohan Fredericks said that the cash grant will bring relief to many persons.
“I see it as a good initiative because it will benefit every single person who eligible to have it,” he said.
Kevin Seegolam, Toshao of Wikki Calcuni (Region 10), said “This is a great investment being rolled out by the government, it boosts the community, assists people in their daily lives.“
While access to banking and reliable internet remains a challenge in many hinterland and riverain communities, the Toshaos say systems are being put in place to make the process easier for residents.
CDC Chairwoman of the #47 Village, Maylene Couchman, is grateful for this provision, as it reduces hassles for the hinterland residents.
“We are fortunate to have our very own people in the village doing the registration soon, so we don’t have that big jostle to be online trying because we don’t have internet,” she said.
The government has assured that no eligible person will be left out. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh says teams will be deployed across the hinterland to assist residents and assured that the absence of bank accounts will not be a barrier to accessing the grant.