RESIDENTS of several East Coast Demerara villages yesterday received their $10,000 flood relief cheques from officials of the Recovery Planning & Implementation Secretariat (RP&IS), the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

It said those receiving were from Better Hope, Beterverwagting, Bare Root, Bachelor’s Adventure, Ann’s Grove and Bee Hive.
Some said they will use the money to buy household utensils while others said they will bank it, GINA reported.

Additionally, it said, some residents plan to buy baby chicks to restart their poultry businesses damaged during the January floods.

It noted that President Bharrat Jagdeo had committed to giving persons involved in agriculture $10,000 each to help them get back into businesses following their losses in the floods.

RP&IS head Robeson Benn told the agency that some persons are not presenting proof of identification and residence and this is resulting in complications relating to verification for the flood relief grant.

He stressed that people claiming benefits must produce their national identification (ID) cards or passports for identification.

For proof of residence, persons should present bills either from Guyana Power & Light (GPL) or the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T). A rent receipt can also be used, GINA said.

It said Mr Benn pointed out that persons who were unable to register claims for damage or loss during the floods 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 residence when filling the required information on a green form that will be provided by officials of the RP&IS and cheques will be issued as soon as they are available, GINA said.

Benn told the agency that more than 3,000 cheques were sent to the villages yesterday.