By Fareeza Haniff
![Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman. [Jules Gibson Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Trotman1.jpg)
This was confirmed by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, who told a post cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, July 15 that the initiative was badly implemented and that it is “fiscally unsustainable.”
He said that the project is currently under review and that government wants to ensure that the poor and vulnerable should be the main beneficiaries.
“Cabinet has been advised that it is fiscally unsustainable because when one studies development economics, when you give a grant or a cash transfer, it has to be targeted; it must be accompanied or guided by a means test, so that you ensure the most vulnerable in society are the sole or if not the primary beneficiaries, that is the poorest of the poor,” Minister Trotman said.
He further explained that while the cash grant was a good idea, “it was badly implemented.”
“So to have a grant of $10,000 for every school child without it being focused to those who need it more is not…fiscally sustainable for any economy, particularly ours.”
He however noted that government will continue the school uniform vouchers and seek to enhance it. The ‘Because we care’ initiative was launched in October of 2014 and was slated to benefit 188,406 families of the students of nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the public school system.
It would have resulted in a total of $2B being invested by the then PPP government.
I wonder what will be the criteria to be considered as “POOR”? And who will be the verification officers of these “POOR” beneficiaries?
School Or College Grants Give For Various Reasons:
Some of which are to help the poor student purchase much needed books for college. Or to help with Tuition Fees, as a Freshman, Fresh woman, Sophomore, or student. Or to assist with traveling and lodging expenses while in College.
But whatever reason/s are given, the FACT is, All Grants are a One Time Payment. And not refundable.
So if the state intends to STOP giving grants to students in the future, clear and concise reasons MUST be given to potential recipients about this cessation.
Cut everything…slash slash slash…that’s what you guys were put to do! You will soon slash yourself out..
Mr trot. Tell me which rich man child attend Govt school this show only one set of ppl will benefit
Guyana have the money lets spend it to educate the Children of Guyana
THEY DONT CARE ……ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS THEMSELVES… THEY WILL DISCRIMINATE AS ONLY THEIR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS WILL PASS THE ” MEANS TEST.” OLD PNC STYLE OF GOVERNANCE .