Former Minister Ferguson Blasts Government Erratic, Discriminatory Cash Transfer Policy

By Mark DaCosta- In a letter to the press former Minister and siting Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, has raised significant concerns about the transparency and clarity of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s proposed disbursement of a one-off payment to citizens, originally announced by President Irfaan Ali on October 10, 2024.

Ferguson- a minister in the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government- known for her vocal critiques of the governing party’s policies, argues that the government has failed to provide a coherent and accountable plan for implementing these payments.

The former minister highlights that during a press conference on October 25, 2024, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo outlined new arrangements for the disbursement, which have been marked by constant changes and lack of clear communication.

Initially, the government indicated that the payments would be made to households, but this has since shifted to include registered voters, specifically those who are at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2024. The most recent update even includes Guyanese living abroad, raising further questions about criteria, planning and methodology.

The Member of Parliament (MP) highlights a critical oversight by Jagdeo, noting the absence of provisions for Guyanese living in other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations and those in places like Venezuela and Brazil. “Has he forgotten that Guyanese are living in other CARICOM countries?” she asks, pointing out the inequity in the government’s approach. She emphasises that many individuals in these regions may lack proper identification documents, complicating their ability to access the funds.

Moreover, Ferguson is concerned about the new registration app that the Ministry of Finance intends to develop. She questions the rationale behind shifting from a voters list to a digital application, expressing skepticism about whether this change will facilitate timely payments or create further delays. “Any Government that truly worth its salt and believes in the principles of good governance… should ensure that all ‘Is and Ts are dotted and crossed,” she asserts, suggesting that the current administration has fallen short of these standards.

In her letter, Ferguson poses several pressing questions for the government that remain unanswered. These include whether the new app will replace the voters list entirely and what measures will be in place to prevent potential fraud, such as families of deceased individuals from applying for the payment. She also queries the expected timeline for the app’s development, whether a trial run will occur before its launch, and the overall financial implications of this initiative for the national treasury.

The parliamentarian expresses disappointment at the lack of detailed information provided by Jagdeo during his press conferences, noting that although he states that it would take approximately five months to establish the necessary arrangements, he did not specify a start date for the payments. This lack of clarity, she argues, highlights the government’s ongoing struggle to effectively communicate its plans and priorities.

As a vocal critic of many of the current administration’s policies, Ferguson has consistently pointed out the government’s failures in managing public funds and resources. She argues that the sudden announcement of the payment appears more like a politically motivated strategy rather than a well-thought-out policy to address the pressing economic issues facing citizens today.

The MP expresses cautious optimism, hoping for a comprehensive plan to emerge following Jagdeo’s press conference. She advocates for a serious approach to this sensitive issue, urging the government to move past “goal shifting and cheap political rhetoric” in order to avoid disenfranchising any Guyanese who may be eligible for this assistance.

With the stakes high for many citizens facing economic challenges, the onus is now on the PPP/C government to deliver a clear and effective plan that ensures all Guyanese, regardless of their location, can access the financial support they need. Guyanese will agree that the questions posed by Ferguson serve as a reminder of the urgent need for transparency and accountability in government initiatives aimed at alleviating the cost of living crisis affecting so many.