President Dr. Irfaan Ali came in for high praise from the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) for what was dubbed a “timely” cash grant of $25,000 to persons living with disabilities.
“It must be underscored that this initiative by the President and his government is a significant one that will bring much needed financial relief to an impoverished marginalized community,” said the Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh in a statement.
Singh highlighted that the majority of persons with disabilities did not benefit from the previous COVID-19 cash grant that was doled out last year.
As such, he pointed out that GCOPD is pleased that this new cash relief measure is specific and targeted to the community of persons living with disabilities.
Singh wrote: “As an umbrella body for twenty four (24) Disable People Organisations (DPOs) across Guyana, GCOPD is appreciative of the various measures implemented by the government to enhance the lives of persons living with disabilities since assuming office in August 2020.”
“We are optimistic for the future of persons with disabilities in Guyana, and we pledge our partnership with the government to promote and fulfill their rights.”
GCOPD is the umbrella body that represents the majority of Disable People Organisations (DPOs) from across Guyana, working in the areas of advocacy and capacity building.
The DPOs represents all types of disabilities.
On Monday evening, President Ali announced more measures meant to provide $2.6 billion worth of additional support to the most vulnerable in Guyana’s society.
Those include:
- A one-off grant of $25,000 to all old-age pensioners, equivalent to one month of old-age pension.
- A one-off grant of $25,000 to all public assistance recipients and persons living with disabilities.
- An electricity credit paid to GPL on behalf of households consuming not more than 75 kilowatt-hours per month.
