Ministry distributing 2009 pension books

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has started distribution of the 2009 pension books in several regions and plans to continue this exercise at advertised sites for the next six weeks.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) the books are being distributed from 9 am to 4 pm. The early distribution is intended to guarantee that in January 2009, persons receive their grants in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, Minister Priya Manickchand visited some of the sites in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six to oversee the exercise when distribution started on Wednesday. The minister visited centres at Beterverwagting and Enmore, East Coast Demerara and West Ruimveldt, Georgetown where she addressed pensioners’ concerns. The minister told them that while the books they were receiving did not have any amounts stamped on them, this would not create any problems. Instead, she said this was to ensure that “the Ministry of Finance received the longest possible period so that it can make the best decision for you so that you can get as much as possible.”

Manickchand added that in December, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh will announce whether the figure will remain the same or based on the economy’s performance, it will increase.

“We want to give you as much as we can but we have to take into consideration other areas of development that is why I cannot say at this stage whether it will be raised, what I know for sure is that it will not go down,” the minister pointed out. In January when persons uplift their pension, the amount will be stamped on the book, she said.

According to GINA, about 50 pensioners assembled at the Beterverwagting Community Centre to collect their books. Eighty-two-year-old Ruby Benn, a resident told GINA, “It’s very nice because I am living near the estate and even there to here is far but here is nearer and I thank the government for this.”

At the Enmore Community Centre there were about 60 persons. By 10 am nearly 75 persons had already collected their books. Sixty-nine-year-old Haslington resident, Eslyn Simon said, “It is a great change and I am happy about this…  I am grateful, thank God that everything is coming slowly and that we are able to enjoy it,” according to GINA.

The release also quoted Dharampaul a resident of Hope West, Enmore as saying, “It is wonderful because the last time I had to go to Beterverwagting and had to wait a whole day.”

The minister reminded the groups that once persons reach age 65 they are entitled to receive pension. Each location will be opened for more than one day, however, if persons miss the opportunity to uplift their books at this time they can still contact the nearest pension office or the ministry. As regards concerns about how pensioners who are ill would receive their books, the minister said that in the case of “shut-ins” someone would need to inform the ministry about the situation and the book would be taken to the pensioner’s home.