Brace yourself for acceleration – Pres Ali to Guyanese on rapid economic growth, new opportunities

President Dr Irfaan Ali has signaled that Guyanese citizens may see a second distribution of the Government’s cash grant before Christmas, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to poverty alleviation and wealth redistribution.

Approximately 600,000 Guyanese aged 18 and above are eligible for the initiative, which was first introduced in October 2024. During the initial rollout, 629,498 beneficiaries received the grant. President Ali has repeatedly emphasised that the initiative is not a one-off measure but part of a wider strategy to support families and strengthen the economy. Speaking at a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) rally in Eccles on Tuesday, the President underscored the importance of investing directly in citizens.
“We will have a beautiful Christmas. Just trust me,” Ali said.
“We will put more money in your pocket because your cost of electricity will cut by half and the cost of cooking gas will be reduced. We will put back more money in your pocket because we will pay for your education service, your health service, your lab service. We will give you treated water at less cost, no increases in taxes, and we will reduce taxes. We will make it easier for you to own vehicles by reducing the taxes and removing in some cases. We will help you to own your own businesses by co-investing with you and establishing a zero-interest facility for sale. The speed at which the economy will grow and the speed at which the economy will expand will require every single person to brace for this acceleration,” he told the gathering.
The President highlighted that the Government’s agenda extends beyond financial support, pointing to investments in housing, infrastructure, recreational facilities, and youth development. He reminded supporters of his administration’s pledge to build 40,000 homes, describing the scale of the project as “like building out half of Antigua’s landmass in five years.” Ali also linked the cash grant to broader social objectives, noting the importance of creating family-friendly spaces and promoting positive youth engagement.
The President also stressed that his Government’s development drive will demand sacrifice and hard work, but promised that the rewards will be tangible, with citizens benefitting from lower costs, greater access to services and expanded opportunities for employment and business ownership.
As Guyana’s oil-fueled economy accelerates, the Guyanese Leader noted that Government’s direct cash transfers remain a centerpiece of its effort to ensure ordinary citizens share in the country’s growing wealth.
“We will turn Sundays into Mondays, holidays into working days, and night into day because we have to work 24-7 to get this agenda completed. And for us to achieve this, you must be prepared. You must be prepared to expand your income… not only by increases in salaries, but to expand your income by increases in employment opportunities, extended hours, second jobs. We must make a sacrifice in the next five years to lead a revolution in your economy, a revolution in your disposable income, a revolution in your infrastructure, a revolution in your development, a revolution in your advancement,” he added.

Doubling of grants under 2025-2030 manifesto
About a week ago, in what can be described as one of the most aggressive social-support packages in Guyana’s history, President Dr Irfaan Ali unveiled sweeping increases in grants and pensions that will channel more than $200 billion in disposable income directly into the hands of citizens.
Speaking before a massive crowd at the PPP/C rally in Lethem, Region Nine, President Ali said the measures are aimed at easing the cost of living, stimulating local spending and placing greater financial power directly in the hands of families.
At the heart of the announcements is a dramatic increase in the “Because We Care” cash grant, which will rise to $100,000 per child. In addition, each student will receive a new annual transportation grant of $100,000. Together, this means that every schoolchild will benefit from a minimum of $200,000 per year—a policy expected to inject $40 billion annually into households across Guyana.
A total of $11 billion was allocated in the 2025 Budget for the distribution of the grant to 205,000 children in public and private schools nationwide. This year, the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant was increased to $50,000, coupled with the $5,000 uniform allowance, giving parents a total of $55,000 per child.
The President also announced a major boost in public assistance, which will more than double from $22,000 to $40,000 per month per person. This expansion, Ali said, will represent an additional $19 billion annually invested in vulnerable groups.
Similarly, the country’s elderly population will see unprecedented support. The old age pension will increase from $41,000 to a minimum of $60,000 monthly, complemented by a $50,000 transportation grant. This initiative, the President explained, will see the Government spending an additional $65 billion each year to support pensioners. “Two things came up in our consultations—transportation support and increased pensions,” Ali said at the time. “Tonight, I am pleased to tell you that we are setting aside at least $65 billion for our pensioners, plus $4 billion more for transportation support. This is real, this is calculated, and this will be delivered.”