Long lines to cash pension cheques
There are long lines at most of Barbados’ post offices this morning as pensioners and their aides came out to get government-issued cheques cashed.
Nation teams at Brittons Hill, Eagle Hall and the General Post Office, all in St Michael, in St John, and the Worthing Post Office in Christ Church, saw long lines stretching past the properties and onto the road, in most instances.
Other reports indicate there were similar scenes at Welches, St Thomas, and Six Roads, St Philip.
Barbadians were out as early as 6 a.m. to collect pension cheque monies. At the General Post Office, the two lines snaked through the entirety of area, with people standing along the sidewalk and the inner courtyard.
In addition to long lines outside, people were also waiting in the amphitheatre of the General Post office.
Some complained the process was inefficient and the two days allotted were insufficient while Diana Applewhite, who is visually impaired, praised the process as she said the disabled were given priority and she only had to wait about 20 minutes.
One man waiting in line told Nation News customers with surnames A to H were told to come today, but everyone from A to Z showed up.
The line outside Worthing Post Office.
Some of those waiting in St John said they were in line from 6 a.m. A ticket system was in place and up to 9:28 a.m., number 101 had just been issued, but no cheques had been processed. People complained the wait was too long.
However, it was an orderly process and two police officers – wearing masks – were on hand to ensure social distancing is maintained.
People waiting patiently at Brittons Hill Post Office.
Yesterday, a media release said those with surnames A to H may cash cheques today and I to Z on Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Post offices were closed on Monday and Tuesday and will also be closed on Friday, according to a release from the Post Master General. (MB/CA/SB/JS)
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