GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – Guyana’s National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Tuesday described as “inaccurate and misleading” reports posted on social media that a pensioner suffered a stroke while waiting for a cash grant on Monday.

“We wish to clarify that the pensioner in question was not waiting for a cash grant at the time of the incident. The individual was being attended to by a clerk …when she experienced an epileptic episode,” the NIS said in a statement, adding that it had become aware of the December 30 Facebook page posting.

“This information is inaccurate and misleading,” the NIS said, adding that it is urging the public to “rely on verified sources before sharing or reacting to such claims.

“Dissemination of unverified information can cause unnecessary concern and harm. We remain committed to providing accurate updates and serving our pensioners with care and efficiency.”

The NIS said that hundreds of pensioners nationwide successfully received their cash grants during the first day of the distribution rollout and that “this initiative will continue until Friday, January 3, 2025, at all NIS offices”.

It said that this is to ensure that every pensioner has convenient access to their grant.

“Additionally, arrangements are in place to distribute cash grants directly within respective communities to accommodate pensioners who may not be able to visit an NIS office. We remain committed to serving all pensioners efficiently and with the utmost care, ensuring that no one is left behind during this process,” the statement added.

The Guyana government embarked upon a $100,000 GUY (One Guyana dollar= $0.004 cents US) cash grants to all citizens 18-years and older, saying that the funds should be used too empower them to create long-term wealth and opportunities.