By Mark DaCosta-The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has announced a delay in the usual distribution of Old Age Pension books following the discovery of fraudulent pension books. The Ministry has stated that this delay is essential to safeguard the integrity of the pension system, and that efforts are underway to address the issue with increased security measures.
The Guyana Police Force has been called upon to investigate the circulation of unauthorised and fake pension books, which has raised alarms over potential fraud. As a result, the ministry stated, the regular early distribution of 2025 pension books, typically carried out in November, has been postponed.
The Ministry has assured pensioners that the distribution of the 2025 Old Age Pension books will begin in December 2024. These new books will feature enhanced security features aimed at preventing any future tampering or duplication. The Ministry is coordinating the release of the new books alongside the encashment of December 2024 vouchers, in an effort to streamline the process for pensioners in several regions. A detailed schedule with the specific dates and times for the distribution of the books will be made available to the public through various media channels, the ministry said.
In addition, the Ministry has announced that 3,000 additional 2024 Old Age Pension books, also featuring improved security features, will be available starting from November 25, 2024. These books will address the backlog and cater to new pensioners who have not yet received their books.
For those pensioners who prefer to avoid physical books altogether, the Ministry continues to encourage the use of bank accounts for pension payments. The pension funds are directly deposited into bank accounts during the first five days of each month, thus eliminating the need for pension books entirely. This method is being promoted as a more secure and efficient alternative for pensioners.
The Ministry expressed regret for any inconvenience the delays may cause pensioners but insisted that these measures are necessary for enhancing the overall integrity and accountability of the pension distribution system. The ultimate goal, according to the Ministry, is to ensure that pensioners receive their benefits without the risk of fraudulent interference.
The ongoing investigation into the fraudulent pension books has already reportedly uncovered disturbing details. Some of the fake pension books may have been duplicated, raising concerns that pensioners could be deprived of their rightful payments.
To address the issue, the Ministry has reportedly heightened its collaboration with the Guyana Post Office and other payment venues to ensure greater vigilance in identifying fraudulent pension books. Additionally, any individuals found to be involved in the illegal distribution of fake pension books will be held accountable, with the full weight of the law applied.
