‘Cash grants could not have been better timed’ – Minister McCoy

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy MP, says the Government’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant is timely as the nation is still grappling with the pandemic. 

The Minister shared this view when he spearheaded the distribution of the grant at Christ Church Secondary School and the St. John’s College in Georgetown on Wednesday. 

“The cash grant programme can and will go a long way in many homes and in many families to be able to keep our children in school.

“And this grant couldn’t have come at a better time, couldn’t be restarted at a better time; a time at which we are all experiencing the challenges of the COVID-19 situation,” he said at Christ Church.

Minister McCoy assured the attendees that the PPP/C Government will work diligently every day to ensure that the transformational goals of the country and its citizens are achieved.

At the St. John’s College, Minister McCoy’s alma mater, he reminded parents and guardians that the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme was deliberately included in the PPP/C Manifesto. The Government, he said, considers the investment in the education of the children paramount to the development of the country.

“The Government does not consider the cash grant a waste of money. We consider this a good investment in our children’s education and the future.

“This is the next generation of doctors, lawyers, teachers, pilots, administrations in various fields. If we invest in them consistently and sincerely, then we going to have the best outcome for our children.”

Beneficiaries of the grant spoke highly of the initiative.

Ms. Julian Mysmuss, shared what she plans to do with the grant.

“I will use the money to repair my computer’s processor so that my son can log onto the online classes,” the mother of four told DPI.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that followed, Ms. Mysmuss, who is self-employed said she finds it difficult to ply her trade.

“This grant will come in to assist my family and I am thankful for it.  I think that it is a good gesture,” she added.

Meanwhile Ms. Julia Whitmore, a grandmother of one told DPI, “I feel good about the cash grant. This is a boost for the parents so that they can purchase items to benefit their children.”

After collecting the grant, Ms. Whitmore said she intends to purchase clothing for school and stationery for her grandson. Later this week, more Government Ministers would be fanning out across the country to conduct similar exercises.