Guyana not fully digitally ready

Mar 29, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

Trying to register on the cash grant portal shows Guyana is not fully digitally ready for an exercise of this magnitude on this platform. This has led to countless frustrations being experienced by citizens. I spare a thought for those not digitally savvy, knowledgeable or experienced in the technology.

Several issues are being encountered. The latest development in the list of frustrations I have heard, has to do with the matching or recognising of the National ID card photo and photos taken on the portal. Even though all questions have been ticked off in this requirement, the facial recognition is being rejected in instances.

Now the ID card was issued fifteen years ago. That photo and this portal one must be different, as persons’ features would have changed as aging occurs and appearances change. The app in some cases is not recognising the ID card photo and portal photo as the one and same person. This has led to a growing frustration amongst citizens.

It is unbelievable that the same ID photo was used and accepted at polling stations in the recent elections but cannot now. Further, only last year, with the issuance of the cash grant, photographs were taken of citizens, either at the time of registering for the grant or receiving their cheque. Those photos must be in the system. Why can’t they be used for facial recognition and matching now? The Ministry has to do better.

It is noted the promptness with which central government employees received their grant without going through the challenges and hassles other citizens are facing just to register to receive this benefit. Of course, calling the help desk numbers…well that only adds to the frustration.

Shamshun Mohamed

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