Scores of pensioners turned up at the Leonora National Insurance Scheme (NIS) office yesterday as the distribution exercise continues for their government-issued $100,000 cash grants. While some expressed gratitude for the much-needed assistance, frustration continues to grow over what they described as a disorganized and inefficient system. An 82-year-old pensioner reported waiting hours before being able to uplift his cheque.
Others shared similar experiences of long waiting times and overcrowding at the distribution point. Many individuals, including elderly and physically challenged persons, were left standing for hours, further highlighting the challenges in the current system. Pensioners at the venue voiced their concerns over the lack of adequate seating and proper management, calling for immediate improvements to the distribution process to ease their burden.
The ongoing issues have raised questions about the efficiency and planning of the distribution exercise. Efforts to streamline the process and reduce waiting times are urgently needed to address the grievances of the elderly citizens relying on this support. The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) announced Sunday that pensioners will start receiving a government-issued GY$100,000 cash grant from Monday.
The distribution will occur at NIS offices nationwide. NIS clarified that only those pensioners who registered for the cash grant will be eligible to receive their cheques at its offices.
Frustration grows over distribution delays
The distribution will run from Monday, December 30, 2024, and continue until Friday, January 3, 2025. Pensioners who are unable to collect their grants by January 3 will have alternative arrangements made by the Government for distribution in their respective villages. Pensioners must bring a valid identification document used during their registration.
Those pensioners who were not previously registered for the cash grant will be able to do so throughout January 2025 at sites to be announced later. The much-anticipated cash grant distribution for pensioners started yesterday, but the rollout was met with widespread dissatisfaction. While some beneficiaries successfully collected their cheques, others expressed frustration over delays, long wait times, and a perceived lack of organization.
At the NIS office on Brickdam, several pensioners voiced their discontent after being told their cheques were not ready and that they would need to return on Friday. One pensioner, who had been at the office since 5:00 a.m., expressed disappointment, saying, “I’ve waited here all day in the sun, only to be told my cheque isn’t ready. At 73 years old, it’s exhausting to go through this process.
We are seniors and should be treated with more consideration.”
Authorities have not yet commented on the complaints but have emphasized that efforts are being made to ensure that all pensioners receive their grants in a timely manner. The distribution initiative is part of the government’s efforts to support the elderly population, though the initial execution has faced logistical challenges that need addressing promptly to avoid further inconvenience to seniors.
