**Last Updated on Friday, 14 February 2025, 22:37**

**Writer: [Name]**

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton stated on Friday that if his coalition wins the 2025 general and regional elections, the new administration would link cash transfers for school-age students to their school attendance. “We believe that children must receive cash transfers, but it shouldn’t be done without a purpose. We want it tied to attendance, as the objective of these transfers is to support our children, and we need a mechanism to ensure they are attending school,” he explained during his weekly news conference.

Mr. Norton clarified that cash grants would not be based on the earnings of Guyanese but would instead require recipients to be 18 years or older. The funds would be distributed via checks, ensuring a transparent system built on an accurate database, rather than relying on the “padded and flawed” voters list produced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Emphasizing the importance of school attendance, the Opposition Leader expressed that his focus is not merely on gaining votes. When asked if linking cash transfers to attendance might deter support for his People’s National Congress Reform-led coalition, he underscored his commitment to enhancing children’s lives rather than allowing misuse of funds by parents. “When we provide cash transfers, we want to ensure it directly benefits children, rather than being spent on non-essential items. Our aim is to create conditions that support their education and ultimately lift them out of poverty,” he stated.

Additionally, Mr. Norton announced that a coalition government would establish a national school transportation network, building on the previous administration’s introduction of a transportation system using buses, bicycles, and boats.

He also mentioned plans to conduct a survey aimed at ensuring that all Guyanese achieve a “livable income,” with particular attention to pensioners. “We believe the resources exist within our society; what’s missing is the political will from the PPP. Their incompetence and lack of belief in resource distribution to the people hinder progress,” he commented.

Mr. Norton highlighted that many Guyanese have yet to receive the GY$100,000 per person cash grant. The Finance Ministry recently released schedules for cash grant distribution in Regions 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 5 (Mahaicony-West Berbice), 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

He reiterated that the proposed rent-to-own housing program would cater to Guyanese who cannot access mortgages due to low incomes. The coalition aims to address the long-standing waiting list for house lots and assist current owners in constructing their homes.