After months of lobbying about its benefits, it appears that the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) will not have the support of the government, specifically the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), for its cash transfers proposal for poor households. According to recent statements by Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings, the government does not want to run the risk of implementing any policy that would leave its citizens dependent in any form or fashion.
After learning about this position, WPA Member, Dr. David Hinds told the Guyana Standard that he is disappointed. He said, “I believe this government’s approach, which is, they want to teach a man to fish instead of giving him one is far too simplistic an approach for such a very serious proposal. I am disappointed that Dr. Cummings said this but I know she is only repeating what the President outlined as his position.”
In explicating other aspects of his viewpoint, the University Associate Professor added that the government’s approach is an unfortunate one because the proposed initiative is one that is enjoyed by 1.2B people in the world. He further stated that cash transfers are endorsed by reputable organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
“So we are not inventing anything new. This is an initiative aimed at getting rid of poverty and I disagree with the suggestion that it leads to dependency. In fact, none of the studies in more than 60 countries I have researched has shown that it has led to dependency. In fact, it has helped people out of dependency so the government’s position is an uninformed one. They need to study it, set up a committee to weigh the pros and cons if need be…,” expressed the political activist.
In addition to this, Dr. Hinds reminded that the proposal, whether in the same format or another, is supported by the Alliance For Change and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).
Whether the government goes ahead with this proposal, Dr. Hinds stressed that the WPA will contest the matter at the elections in hopes that the will of the people would be able to convince the government to do otherwise.
The cash handouts matter was first raised by Economist and Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development Dr. Clive Thomas in August 2018. He had recommended that US$5000 could be given out per year to every poor household.
As an economist, Vice-President Carl Greenidge has also been a proponent of cash handouts. He had told the Guyana Standard that cash handouts to citizens using a portion of the oil money to come is not only possible but feasible, depending on the arrangement being used.
