By Mark DaCosta- In yet another development that challenges Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s assertion that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) originated the idea of direct cash transfers, Village Voice News (VVN) has acquired a white paper that was presented to Cabinet during the tenure of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC )Coalition government from 2015 to 2020. This document outlines the Coalition’s commitment to cash transfers as a strategic measure for poverty alleviation. This revelation probably puts to rest any question about the PPP’s claims of originality in this initiative.
The AFC’s white paper reveals a comprehensive approach to social development, emphasising the importance of placing individuals at the centre of economic strategies. The AFC, a key member of the Coalition, argued for the introduction of cash transfers as an essential tool to address poverty and enhance the well-being of citizens. The proposal advocated for significant financial assistance, aiming to empower households and promote social equity across the nation.
Central to this initiative was the recognition that sustainable development should directly benefit the populace, particularly the most vulnerable groups. The AFC proposed various avenues for improving social services, including the establishment of specialty hospitals and the expansion of public healthcare facilities. The intention was to not only enhance local healthcare but also attract Guyanese diaspora seeking affordable medical treatment, thereby stimulating the economy through increased tourism and related services.
In terms of education, the AFC’s proposal called for free education from nursery to tertiary levels, enshrined in the 1980 Constitution of Guyana, however, with a stipulation for students to commit to serving the government for three years post-graduation. This initiative aimed to attract foreign students as well, thereby creating a competitive educational environment and generating further economic benefits.
Another crucial aspect of the proposal was the increase in old age pensions to $60,000 and reducing the eligibility age to 62. This move was intended to provide greater financial security for the elderly, while also proposing waivers for utility bills for pensioners. Additionally, the Coalition sought to expand social programs to address mental health, domestic abuse, and rehabilitation for prisoners, promoting a more inclusive approach to societal issues.
In discussing cash transfers, the white paper, which was prepared by AFC member Ricky Ramsaroop, outlined various models that had proven effective in other countries, emphasising the need for a tailored approach suitable for our nation. It suggested implementing a pilot study to explore the feasibility of cash transfers, highlighting successful examples from countries like Yemen and Mexico. The document argued that cash transfers could empower citizens by allowing them to make informed choices about their needs, such as investing in education and healthcare.
The evidence presented by the AFC’s proposal is further corroborated by similar recommendations made by economist Dr. Clive Thomas of the Working People Alliance (WPA) around the same period. His proposal suggested an annual cash transfer of US$5,000 per household, funded through the nation’s oil revenues. This concept received broad support from various sectors, including civil society and political groups, indicating a shared understanding of the necessity for equitable wealth distribution in light of the country’s economic transformation.
As the political narrative unfolds, it is becoming increasingly clear that the claims made by Jagdeo and the PPP regarding the origin of the cash transfer initiative do not hold up against the documented history of prior proposals. The evidence indicates that opposition parties were advocating for cash transfers well before the PPP assumed power in August 2020.
In light of these findings, it seems the discourse surrounding cash transfers can now be settled. The AFC and other political factions have been at the forefront of advocating for these measures long before the current government adopted a similar stance. The historical context underscores the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all political actors in shaping policy discussions around poverty alleviation.
