By Mark DaCosta-The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) has urged the Government of Guyana to clarify the distribution of the GY$100,000 cash grant, emphasising that detainees aged 18 and over should be included.
In a recent letter to the media, BUYDG highlighted that the grant, sourced from taxpayer funds and the nation’s natural resources, is designed to benefit all citizens equally, including those incarcerated. They argue that detainees, whether awaiting trial or convicted, retain their citizenship and should not be excluded from financial support aimed at their well-being. The group asserts that such assistance can aid in rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
BUYDG also noted that many detainees intend to use the grant for purposes such as supporting their children or caregivers, covering legal fees, or addressing personal expenses like bail. The group emphasised that the needs of detainees and their families should be considered, as these individuals are entitled to the same benefits as other citizens.
To address this issue, BUYDG is considering actions such as organising pickets at the Office of the President or pursuing legal avenues, including approaching international bodies like the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) or the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). They urge the government to act promptly and fairly to ensure all eligible citizens, including detainees, have access to this financial support.
The government’s cash grant initiative aims to distribute GY$100,000 to every citizen aged 18 and older, requiring proof of citizenship through a national ID card or passport. This program, the government says, seeks to provide financial relief and stimulate economic activity across the country.
Legal and human rights frameworks support BUYDG’s stance. Guyana’s constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and ensures the right to challenge the lawfulness of such actions. Internationally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Guyana is a party, mandates that all persons deprived of their liberty be treated with humanity and respect for their inherent dignity. These provisions underscore that detainees maintain their fundamental rights, including access to state-provided benefits.
Furthermore, excluding detainees from the cash grant could have broader societal implications. Many detainees are primary breadwinners, and their incarceration can place financial strain on their families. Providing the grant to detainees could alleviate some of this burden, facilitating their reintegration into society upon release and potentially reducing recidivism rates.
Evidently, BUYDG’s call for the inclusion of detainees in the cash grant distribution aligns with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards. Addressing this issue would ensure equitable treatment of all citizens and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of detainees into society.
