Close to $40 million has already been dispersed by Government in its oneoff, tax-free Solidarity Allowance.
Chief executive officer of the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS), Kim Tudor, told the Weekend Nation last night that almost 133 000 people – which includes pensioners and some Government workers – have received the $300 either in their bank accounts or by cheques, paid out from Wednesday.
The allowance was announced during the 2025 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals by Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn on March 10. Eligible recipients had to be over 18 years old, with legal status, who contributed to the NISSS in the last year.
“People from all walks of life have been coming to the registration centres at the post offices and the NISSS. The Solidarity Allowance is paid according to the eligibility criteria outlined by the minister in the Budget,” Tudor said, adding that people on welfare were also included.
She revealed that more than 4 000 people have registered over the past week.
Smooth process
“The registration and information update process has been running smoothly. There has been a strong and positive response, with many individuals coming forward to ensure their information is current,” she said.
“The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can receive your payment. We aim to complete all payments by the end of June, so we strongly encourage you to register as early as possible.”
She stressed that the monies being paid were put into the NISSS by Government.
“The funds are not coming from the NISSS’ coffers. We are just disbursing.”
Yesterday, long lines of people wrapped around several post offices, many anxiously waiting to register.
At the General Post Office (GPO) in Cheapside, The City, around 9:35 a.m., there was a long line inside and and on the outside. Some people were reported to have arrived as early as 6:30 a.m. However, some left during the prolonged wait.
Two representatives from the NISSS said over 500 individuals, consisting of the young and middle aged, showed up for registration yesterday.
Tudor said 17 NISSS personnel were deployed for the registration process.
“Teams are currently stationed at five post offices weekly. Each post office is initially allocated two officers, but this number is increased based on the number of applicants presenting for registration. Accordingly, four officers are assigned to the General Post Office, while three are stationed at the Six Roads Post Office [in St Philip].”
One man who finished registering said he did not know how he would spend the money and it depended on when he received it. Another said he planned to spend the money on groceries and utilities.
A couple who came to register after word of the allowance reached them left after waiting a few minutes. Although
they said they did not know the full details of everything, they planned to put the money towards food and utility bills.
One woman, who went to register but turned back after seeing the long line, suggested that more people from the NISSS could assist with the registration process and even make registering available online to cut down the waiting period.
Grateful
Though she was grateful for the allowance, she said the amount could only do the bare minimum.
“If you go in the supermarket, you can’t even get a week’s groceries, especially if you are not working. Things are really expensive. It could only assist with the food bill and some utilities,” she said.
There was also a long line of people waiting to register at the St Peter Post Office in Speightstown. NISSS personnel there said about 200 people between the ages of 50 and 65 came to register on Wednesday.
Vernet Griffith, who was waiting outside, said she would put the money toward buying groceries and paying her utility bill: “It will help me in some way, somehow.”
She said that even though the amount was not enough, the gesture was meaningful and better than nothing.
One man said he was grateful to Government for offering the $300 and urged all to accept it.
“I’m here thankful it’s being offered. I’m not in desperate need but I am willing to accept what is offered, because a blessing is a blessing regardless of how it comes.”
He did not have any immediate plans on how he would spend the money. (AJ)
