PARAMARIBO – Citizens who had applied for the purchasing power boost in April and May 2023 are still waiting for...

payment. While some of them saw the money pop up in their bank account others are still waiting for the money. Valerie Blackman claimed that she never heard anything after the registration. Two weeks ago she went to the Office of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing which is located in the Gemenelandsweg to gather some information but she did not get a clear answer. “I cannot believe that the people who do not need the money receive it while the ones who need it badly have not received anything,” said Blackman who is puzzled by the way the Ministry of Social Affairs operates. Another citizen also expressed his concern regarding the delay in payments. He explained that he handed in his documents in accordance with the existing procedures but that the Ministry never contacted him after that. An acquaintance advised him to apply for the purchasing power again but that he had to do it online. The man pointed out that he was surprised to find out that the money had been transferred to his bank account within a short period of time. “I am glad that I received the money but how is impossible to suddenly get it after having waited for nearly a year?” The man questioned the system and fears that the wrong people are also selected while others who need it urgently do not get a turn. Imro Landveld is also one of the people who is still waiting for payment. He pointed out that he has already visited the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing thrice to ask when he will get the money. Landveld who takes care of his two grandchildren produces and sells syrup at his house in order to put some food on the table. He was really counting on getting the purchasing power of SRD 1,800 in order to help him make ends meet. “I am starting to lose hope,” said Landveld.