Georgetown, GINA, February 3, 2010

The six percent pension announced last month by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh is effective from this month. 
Old age pensions will be paid at a rate of $6,600 per month, while public assistance will be paid at a rate of $4,900 per month. 
These two forms of assistance are amongst the most important interventions by Government aimed at providing assistance to, and improving the lives of, the most vulnerable members of society.

GINA, Georgetown, February 2, 2010

The cooperative society revitalization exercise is in full swing in keeping with government’s manifesto promise to breathe new life into the sector while ensuring that they comply with the Laws of Guyana.

-as National Relief Committee donations top $258M

Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2010

In an effort to improve the living conditions of Haitians following the January 12 earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, the National Committee for Haiti Relief will be sending more assistance to the island as 11 containers are scheduled to leave port Georgetown tomorrow.
The Committee also received donations today from the University of Guyana (both campuses)-$540,188, Hits and Jams in collaboration with Vision sounds- $516,000, the proceeds from the Unite for Haiti Concert held at the National Park on January 22, Ministry of Public Works- $425,000 and Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Khan- a total of $1.4M in protective gears which included long boots, gloves and workers’ respirators.

Everyday donations continue to pour in as Guyanese of all ages contributed foodstuff, water, clothing and shoes in a national effort to help ease the suffering of their Haitians brothers and sisters. Large and medium sized companies, small companies and their staff, teachers, school children, public servants, churches and other organisation, all are genuinely happy to give whatever they could afford. 

A vessel shipping four containers packed with flour, refined coconut oil, pharmaceuticals, water and clothes departed today from the John Fernandes Wharf, Water Street, for Jamaica, the established focal point, from where it will then be transported to Haiti.
Prior to the departure of the vessel, Chairperson of the National Committee for Haiti Relief, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand received over $10M from several entities and kind-hearted Guyanese at a presentation ceremony held at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Thomas Lands.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has already distributed over 90 percent of pension booklets since circulation began in November last year to ensure timely delivery of the documents.