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Georgetown, Guyana -Where in the blistering Guyanese sun or one of our drab rainy days, a scenario unfolds that could be a scene from a tragic play, yet it is a stark reality. Elderly citizens, our nation’s pillars, are subjected to an arduous ordeal – waiting an entire day, often in vain, for a meager pension of merely $100 USD (approximately 25,000 GYD). This pension, intended as a respite, transforms into a test of endurance and patience for those it’s supposed to support.
The scenes at the various pension collection centers are disheartening and too many citizens just look away. Picture this; a senior citizen, after years of contributing to the nation, receives a number like 400 upon arrival. With hope and a bit of anxiety, they wait, only to find that the clock strikes 3 PM and the authorities have barely crossed number 200. This slow progression is not just a delay; it’s a disregard for the value of time and the well-being of our elderly.
The question that arises is one of basic administrative empathy; Why are these individuals not informed in advance if their turn is unlikely to come? Why must our elders, some frail and in dire need of rest, endure this physical and mental toll? If logistical constraints mean only a certain number can be served each day, why not implement a system that schedules appointments or at least informs people beyond a certain number to return another day?
The indignity doesn’t end with the wait. Imagine sitting there, hungry and tired and needing to use the washroom, and when the long-awaited pension is finally in hand, it’s a sum that barely covers basic needs. For those who might endure a fall or need medical attention during this ordeal, the pension amount is a mere drop in the ocean of their potential expenses, especially considering the challenges at facilities like the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
This situation is more than an inconvenience; it’s a poignant reflection of how our system fails those who have laid the foundations of our society. It’s a tale of neglect, where the most vulnerable are not afforded the respect, dignity, and consideration they deserve.
One of the elderly citizens whom we met in line stated, “Who will tell the PPPC government that it is time for a change? Everyone is living in fear or else they do not care about the elderly.” This is not just about streamlining a process; it’s about reimagining our approach to caring for the elderly. It’s a call to action for more humane, efficient, and respectful treatment of our senior citizens. After all, a society’s worth is often measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members.
As citizens and policymakers, we must advocate for systems that not only respect the dignity of our elderly but also ensure their comfort and well-being. The current pension collection process is a symptom of a larger issue – a system that needs urgent reform. Let us not forget, that today’s youth are tomorrow’s pensioners. The changes we advocate for now will define the care we receive in the future.
