Over 10,000 children benefit from toys and uniform cash grant

-as PM concludes Ministerial outreach in Region Nine

Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, yesterday, concluded a Ministerial outreach in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which benefited over 10,000 children through the distribution of toys and school uniform grants of $4,000 each.

Prime Minister Phillips embarked on the three-day exercise on December 16. He was accompanied by Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Hon. Anand Persaud and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon Deodat Indar.

The Prime Minister said the Government prides itself on being a caring administration that is responsive to the needs of the people and will continue to implement initiatives that will directly benefit Guyanese.

CASH GRANT INCREASE

Not only has the Government restored the uniform allowance to school children in emergency budget during the COVID-19 pandemic, but parents will also receive a cash grant of $15,000 for each school-age child from 2021.

“Starting next year under the ‘We Care Programme,’ we will be giving $15,000 for each [school-age] child, and we are committing to increasing that money every year, so by 2025 you will receive $50,000 for each [school-age] child that you have.”

Resident of Kwatamang, Ms Vernica Farias, said she was very appreciative of the visit by the Prime Minister and is pleased to have received the cash grant, which will assist her and other residents who have been having financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

“The Prime Minister’s visit was very important to us because this is the first of its kind, so we’re happy he is here, and the voucher will benefit us very much. It came in time when we really needed it because the pandemic has really affected us and it will help us to prepare our children for school or get them other materials.”

Toshao of St. Ignatius Village, Mr Dennis Bennidict echoed similar sentiments, he said the assistance was well received, since many persons would have found it difficult to get school supplies for their children.

“I feel pleased about this initiative because it will help most of our people to get uniforms for their children. Often, you find that many people do not have jobs and it is difficult for them.”

The Prime Minister visited Woweta, Kwatamang, Rupertee, Annai, Aranaputa, Katoka, Yupukari, Quatata, Kaicumbay and the central Lethem district.

Each Minister went to different communities in the Region.