9,000 of the 11,000 citizens eligible for Covid-19 relief did not receive money

The recent findings reveals that around 9.384 applicants out of 11,098 (83%) who applied for the Covid-19 pandemic assistance voucher have been denied the grant as concluded by the Office of Auditor General, Guyana.

9,000 of the 11,000 citizens eligible for Covid-19 relief did not receive money

The recent findings reveals that around 9.384 applicants out of 11,098 (83%) who applied for the Covid-19 pandemic assistance voucher have been denied the grant as concluded by the Office of Auditor General, Guyana.

The then APNU/AFC coalition government has introduced Covid-19 Pandemic Assistance Voucher to assist vulnerable persons.

According to the report, a performance check upon the voucher programme was conducted from March to September 2020, which disclosed that over 1,000 persons received vouchers.

Under the former Government, it was explained that it had provided economic relief to citizens during the pandemic through the COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Voucher Programme.

Eligible persons received toiletries, food, and sanitary supplies through a voucher valued between $25,000 and $32,000. The vouchers were for residents in Regions 2, 3,4,5,6 and 10.

Notably, this Programme was funded via the allocation of funds from the budget for the fiscal year 2020 of the various agencies responsible for the management of the Programme.

The report stated, “Officials processed Covid-19 vouchers with the programme guidelines. However, vital gaps were noted during the audit. Officials of the National Data Management Authority did not respond to the findings of the audit.”

The Office of AG stated, “People who need assistance were denied. Over 9,000 out of 11,000 qualified applicants did not receive vouchers. Persons were promised hampers, but officials have not explained anything on this.”

Persons interested in receiving a benefit under this Programme were asked to register online. Those without internet access were asked to contact either Ministry of Communities or the Ministry of Social Protection to complete their applications forms.

The Programme is designed for senior citizens, disabled persons, single parents, people who suffered from huge income loss due to pandemic.