Budget 2026 positions tourism, industry, commerce as growth pillars – PS Rogers

Budget 2026, presented under the theme “Putting People First”, positions tourism, industry and commerce as central pillars in Guyana’s long-term strategy to produce development, says Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Roger Rogers.
He described the $1.558 trillion fiscal plan – the largest budget known to Guyana – as a deliberate continuation of the Government’s plans to build a resilient, people-centred economy, where each annual budget serves as a path to sustained growth, competitiveness and shared prosperity.
He said, “Each budget has been deliberately positioned not as a stand-alone annual exercise, but as a cumulative policy instrument, one that builds year by year toward the realisation of a long-term economic vision.”

Rogers noted that within this framework, Budget 2026 reinforces the importance of productive sectors in driving diversification beyond oil. Investments supporting tourism development, manufacturing and the creative industries are expected to expand economic activity and strengthen Guyana’s presence in the regional and global markets so as to generate long-term job opportunities.
The PS highlighted measures aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, including zero-interest microcredit for small and medium-sized enterprises, youth, women and persons living with disabilities. He explained that improved access to finance, combined with strengthened institutional frameworks, will enable innovation, enterprise expansion and job creation.
“These investments are complemented by improved access to finance, including zero-interest microcredit for SMEs, youth, women, and persons living with disabilities, alongside strengthened institutional and regulatory frameworks that enable productivity, enterprise, innovation, and wealth creation.”
“The budget further recognises that wealth creation is ultimately driven by productivity, not by spending alone. The budget outlines continued Government investment in systems that support production, trade, and enterprise,” he added.
Rogers also spoke about the country’s strong economic performance, noting that Guyana has recorded a 19.3 per cent growth in 2025, with the non-oil economy expanding by 14.3 per cent. He attributed it to the resilience given to strategic public investment and sound fiscal movement, adding that Budget 2026 balances inclusion, empowerment and fiscal responsibility.
“In 2025, the economy expanded by 19.3 percent, while the non-oil economy grew by 14.3 percent, reflecting broad-based growth across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, services, and infrastructure. This performance has not been accidental. It reflects deliberate fiscal management, strategic public investment, and sound macroeconomic stewardship.
Against this backdrop, Budget 2026 advances a balanced and integrated policy framework, recognising inclusion, empowerment, productivity, and fiscal responsibility as mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development,” the PS added.
The budget allocates significant resources toward infrastructure, education and energy development, investments Rogers says are critical to supporting business growth and tourism expansion. He emphasised that economic growth must remain inclusive to be sustainable, with social programmes operating alongside productive investments to ensure benefits are widely shared.
While acknowledging global economic uncertainties, Rogers said the 2026 fiscal framework demonstrates prudent management of expanded revenues and a commitment to long-term stability. He added that the ministry looks forward to translating the budget’s priorities into sectoral action that strengthens tourism, industry and commerce across Guyana.