Home Top Stories 2025 marks start of one of the most exciting, transformative periods in...
– says Guyana’s standard of living will be one of the highest in hemisphere by 2030
– promises more wealth creation opportunities, recurrent cash grants
By Jarryl Bryan
Declaring 2025 as the start of one of the most exciting and transformative chapters in Guyana’s history as a result of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) policies, President Dr Irfaan Ali has promised that Guyana’s standard of living will be among the highest in the hemisphere by 2030.
In his New Year message, President Ali assured citizens that they are on the brink of benefitting from a transformed Guyana where opportunities for wealth creation will abound and everyone, including demographics such as youths and women, can “live their best lives”.
“Together, we are building a Guyana where every family can live with dignity, where opportunities for wealth creation are within reach, and where we are fully integrated into the global economy.”
“This is the future we’re working toward—a Guyana where every citizen has a fair shot at success, and every family has the chance to live their best life. I am proud to say that we are delivering on that promise,” the President said.
According to the President, women have been making enormous strides under the PPP/C government. He noted that the government intends to further support them, “whether it’s through access to financing, training, or leadership opportunities, we are committed to empowering our women because when our women succeed, our nation succeeds.”
President Ali spoke of the consistent, double-digit economic growth Guyana has experienced under his government, with non-oil sectors expanding by more than 40% since 2019, and non-oil exports steadily climbing. Zeroing in on youths, Ali spoke of the growing opportunities for them whether they look to start a new business or pursue a trade.
“Our economy is exploding with opportunities for our young people. This is their moment to shine. From technology and agriculture to tourism, energy, and the creative industries, the doors are wide open for our youth to step forward and make their mark.”
“Whether it’s starting your own business, pursuing a trade, or joining one of the many sectors driving our growth, the possibilities are endless to build a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their families,” President Ali said.
According to President Ali, the upcoming budget which will be unrolled in a matter of weeks, will feature a “bold and comprehensive agenda” containing measures to fuel economic growth, strengthen Guyana’s social development, uplift communities and improve personal well-being.
“These initiatives will reflect our commitment to creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for everyone,” the President said.
Budget 2025
Touching on some concrete measures the 2025 budget is expected to finance, President Ali spoke about the six new regional hospitals and two state-of-the-art nursing schools that will be completed this year. According to the President, this will pave the way for thousands of nurses and other medical professionals to join our workforce.
Additionally, telemedicine sites will be rolled out to ensure Guyanese can access high-quality medical services no matter where they live. The goal, according to the President, is simple. “To ensure that every Guyanese, from our hinterland to our coastland, has access to high-quality healthcare.”
President Ali also noted that by the end of 2025, his government will have surpassed their 2020 manifesto promise of distributing some 50,000 house lots. The fulfilment of this promise, according to the President, will allow his administration to move closer to the goal of every Guyanese family owning their own home.
“By the end of 2025, the new Demerara River Bridge will be operational, and the East Bank to East Coast Bypass Road will be completed within months. This year, we will commence the construction of a new bridge across the Berbice River, and advance works on the Wismar Bridge. These river bridges will attract no tolls, will improve connectivity, and open new economic opportunities for all,” the President said.
The road carnage has been a topical issue. And while the number of accidents has actually dropped relative to 2023, President Ali touched on ways they will be tackling this issue. For instance, he made reference to the “Smart Country Programme” and “Safer Roadways initiative”.
“This year we will accelerate the rollout of the Smart Country Programme and the deployment of smarter technology and intelligence-driven policing. In this new year, we will launch a Safer Roadways initiative that will involve better-designed highways and roadways, strengthened enforcement of road safety laws and the use of technology-based solutions to stem the unacceptable level of road accidents and fatalities,” President Ali said.
Efforts will also be made to make Guyana more visually appealing on a national scale, with plans in the pipeline to bolster solid waste management and to construct attractive play parks and public spaces, continuing the work done on the transformed Kingston Seawall Esplanade, the Lamaha Street Walkway, and the Corriverton Play Park.
Disposable income
While the distribution of the $100,000 cash grant per Guyanese adult is currently underway, President Ali in his New Year’s message assured the Guyanese people that they will receive more cash grants in the future.
“This process will continue in the months ahead. And let me signal that this cash grant is not intended to be a one-time payment. We are committed to ensuring that our people benefit from the proceeds derived from the exploitation of their natural resource wealth, and as such, we are committed to making future direct cash transfers to our citizens,” he said.
President Ali recalled the work already done by his government to cushion the population from rising costs of living globally, from subsidizing fuel to allocating sums from the sale of carbon credits to hinterland communities to the range of training and scholarship opportunities provided to Guyanese so they can increase their earning potential.
“For those in receipt or eligible for pensions, social assistance, and disability grants, you can expect further increases to these essential supports. Public servants, teachers and members of the Disciplined Services are assured of further salary increases this year,” the Head of State said.
Elections
Meanwhile, 2025 is of course an election year. In his message, President Ali urged the citizens to go out in their numbers and demonstrate the robustness of Guyana’s democracy. As a matter of fact, President Ali cited ‘Democratic renewal’ as the factor that most excite him about 2025.
“This is an Election Year—a time when each of you will have the power to shape the future of our democracy. Elections are not just about choosing leaders; they are about affirming our commitment to a free, fair, and vibrant democratic process. Let us show the world that Guyana’s democracy is not only resilient but robust. Your voice matters, and your vote is your strength,” he said.
“Democracy is our ally, not our foe—it must always be a source of strength, never a weakness. It’s the foundation upon which we build a just and inclusive society. We must protect it fiercely. This is why we must stand firm in rejecting any return to the sordid past of electoral rascality. Our future depends on fairness, transparency, and the trust of the people, and together, we will ensure democracy remains our guiding light.”
Nor is democracy the only thing in need of protection, as Ali also cited the need for Guyana to remain ever vigilant in protecting its territorial sovereignty. According to the President, “Guyana is no one’s pawn or pushover”.
“Therefore, as we march boldly into this new year, let us do so with confidence and optimism. The road ahead will not be without challenges, but I have no doubt that together, we will overcome them,” the President said.
“Let us hold fast to our shared vision, our shared hope, and our shared determination to build a brighter, stronger, and more united Guyana. Happy New Year to you all! May 2025 be a year of health, happiness, and extraordinary progress for you and your loved ones. Together, let us continue to lift Guyana to greater heights.”
