President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday unveiled an extensive package of policies and social measures to strengthen both individual and national wealth, as part of the government’s vision for Guyana’s next phase of development.
Delivering a near two-and-a-half-hour national address from the lawns of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the President announced a series of initiatives, including direct cash grants, tax reforms, wage increases, and targeted welfare support. He said the measures align with the commitments made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) ahead of its re-election in the September 2025 polls.
The President explained that the strategy is designed to accelerate Guyana’s transformation, safeguard citizens’ well-being, and ensure that growth is shared equitably. He noted that the government intends to further diversify the non-oil sectors of the economy while placing people at the centre of all policy decisions.
“Today, we stand on the cusp of a new dawn, a moment of unprecedented opportunity… This moment is ours to seize, to shape and to transform. The plans I have laid before you provide a framework for doing just that, turning promises into progress and vision into reality. These plans represent a blueprint for transformation that will be tangible in your daily lives, in the work you do, the wages you earn, the communities that cradle your families, and the horizons of opportunities opening for your children,” the President stated.
Cash Grants and Income Support
Among the most anticipated announcements was a nationwide cash grant for adults. Dr Ali revealed that Budget 2026, to be presented early in the new year, will include a provision for a $100,000 cash payment to every Guyanese citizen aged 18 or over. He added that this will not be a one-off initiative, as additional cash grants are planned throughout the government’s five-year term.
Speaking to reporters after his address, the President emphasised that the cash grant is part of a broader framework to strengthen economic resilience and wealth creation across all levels of society.
“I just elaborate on all the incentives and mechanisms to grow personal wealth, to grow family wealth, to grow community wealth, to grow national wealth and to build a prosperous country. And the cash transfer… is just one component of that,” he said.
Dr Ali underscored that cash transfers remain a vital policy tool for increasing disposable income and achieving social objectives. He said the government will continue to deploy a range of instruments over the coming years to support households and vulnerable groups.
As part of this approach, the Because We Care grant will be progressively increased to $100,000 per year during the current term. In addition, the non-contributory old-age pension will be raised to $60,000 per month, and public assistance payments will be increased to $40,000 per month. The first phase of these increases is expected to be announced in Budget 2026.
Tax Reform and Cost-of-Living Relief
The President also outlined several tax measures to ease financial pressures on individuals and families. These include the abolition of the net property tax on individuals and the introduction of a flat tax rate for double-cab pick-up vehicles. Special investment zones offering tax exemptions will be established to encourage business activity and economic diversification, while home improvement assistance programmes will be expanded.
In addition, minimum wages for part-time workers and community service organisations will be increased to $50,000, providing further income support for low- and middle-income earners.
Taken together, the measures constitute what the President described as a comprehensive plan to protect livelihoods, stimulate growth, and ensure that Guyana’s development delivers tangible benefits for all citizens over the next five years.