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By Mark DaCosta- In a captivating political debate, the opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) has called for legislative measures to regulate the distribution of cash grants to citizens, a proposal that has faced strong opposition from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. This discussion follows the government’s announcement of a cash grant of GY$100,000 for each Guyanese aged 18 and over.
AFC Leader and prominent attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes has argued that legislation is essential to ensure a fair and transparent process for cash distribution. He emphasised that such laws should create a mechanism for citizens to lodge complaints if they do not receive their entitlements.
Hughes pointed out that the government should not fix the cash grant amount, suggesting that this responsibility should instead rest with a commission comprising top economists. He stated that this would ensure decisions regarding financial allocations are made by qualified experts based on sound economic principles rather than political expediency.
In stark contrast, Vice President Jagdeo has firmly rejected the need for such legislation, asserting that it could lead to inflexible government spending during economic downturns. He expressed concerns that legislative oversight might restrict the government’s ability to adapt to changing financial circumstances, thereby compromising the delivery of support to citizens in need.
The recent announcement by the government, which it says involves a GY$60 billion allocation for the cash grants, has generated mixed reactions among the populace. While many are enthusiastic about the financial assistance, others have raised concerns regarding the government’s capacity to sustain these payouts, particularly in light of fluctuating oil prices. Jagdeo has reiterated his belief that the distribution of funds should remain flexible, enabling the government to respond effectively to economic challenges.
It should be noted that while many Guyanese are publicly expressing the expectation that such grants will be sustained, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has given no such assurance, instead, the PPP government — including Jagdeo — has labeled the grant as, “one off.” The “one off” label is at odds with Jagdeo’s professed call for the need for flexibility — which implies repeated, sustained grants. One analyst has noted, with obvious concern and worry, that in this instance — and others — the Vice President appears to be contradicting himself multiple times in the very same presentation such as a news conference.
At the beginning, President Irfaan Ali had proposed a GY$200,000 cash grant per household, a figure that was later revised in response to public feedback indicating that such a distribution might not be equitable nor feasible. The government’s current plan to provide GY$100,000 to every eligible adult, including those residing abroad, is intended – says the PPP regime – to address these concerns, but critics argue it lacks the necessary framework for oversight.
The opposition People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has also weighed in on the issue, pledging to deliver cash grants in a manner that is both predictable and transformative, should they gain power in the upcoming general elections in 2025.
Based on indications in the public domain, in the coming weeks, it will be interesting to watch how these discussions evolve and whether the government will reconsider its stance on legislative oversight in response to public demand for greater accountability.
