Pension book distribution more efficient
Kaieteur News
November 25, 2006
The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) yesterday expressed satisfaction with the distribution of old-age pension books for 2007 which has been ongoing during this week.
The party also commended Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, for taking on board suggestions made since March, 2005 by PNCR Parliamentarian, Volda Lawrence.
At the 21 st Sitting of the National Assembly during that month, Lawrence had urged the then Minister to put a better system in place for the preparation and distribution of pension books.
“Planning for the old-age pension books distribution should commence at least three months in advance. The timing of the present distribution system is totally unacceptable. As I speak today, the shut-ins have not yet received their books,” Lawrence had said.
She further suggested that the staff be properly trained in advance.
Lawrence had even informed the Parliament that she had written the former Minister on the plight of pensioners in Micobie, Tumatumari, and Princeville in Region 8, who had to travel to Mahdia to receive their pensions but received no reply.
She suggested that officers be sent to these communities to pay pensioners, since at that time the return cost of transportation to the Mahdia Post Office from Tumatumari was $3,000; from Micobie $4,000, and from Princeville, $2,400.
The PNCR had expressed hope that Minister Manickchand would implement the other suggestions and move swiftly to eliminate the numerous problems faced by the elderly.
A Government Information News Agency (GINA) release recently stated that a large number of pensioners showed up for their documents as part of Ministry's plan to distribute books ahead of the year.
It stated that the Human Services Ministry has introduced several measures to prevent long queues and extended waiting time.
The Ministry devised a preliminary list, copies of which were placed at strategic points of convenience to pensioners, allowing them to make corrections to their personal data.
“I'm satisfied that I don't have to wait three to four months in the year to collect my pension book,” one satisfied Better Hope resident said.
According to GINA, distribution of pension books began on November 8 in several regions and the exercise is expected to continue up to mid-December.
Manickchand told pensioners that the Ministry has brought the distribution offices closer to the community in order to shorten the distance which they have to travel.