GINA - Persons who will be uplifting their $10,000 flood relief cheques are required to have proof of their identity and residency.

Mr Robeson Benn, Head of the Recovery Planning and Implementing Secretariat (RP&IS), said yesterday that some persons are not presenting proof of identity or residency, resulting in complications relating to verification.

Persons are asked to take their National Identification Card (ID) or Passport for identification. For proof of residency, persons should present bills either from the Guyana Power & Light (GPL) or Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T). A rental receipt can also be used.

He pointed out that persons who were unable to register claims for damage or loss during the flood are asked to register at the Centre at which the cheques are being issued in their respective communities.

Persons are also required to have proof of identity and residency when filling the required information on a green form that will be provided by officials of the (RP&IS). Cheques will be issued as soon as they are available.

Mr. Benn noted that members of the National Democratic Council (NDC) would also be present at the centres to help in the verification process when distributing cheques.

Last weekend, the distribution of cheques started in the areas of Buxton and Annandale.

Benn said that Ann’s Grove, Beterverwagting, Better Hope, Bachelors Adventure, Bare Root, Beehive and Belfield have been identified for distribution of cheques next. The areas will be dealt with in alphabetical order.

The RP&IS will soon begin targeting small farmers, who suffered losses during the January flood.

Mr. Benn also explained that registration of persons for the $10,000 in Regions Three and Five have been completed and the data is now in the process of being downloaded into the computers for verification.