President Ali announces significant grant increases, puts over $200B in disposable income into citizens’ hands

– ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for students increased to $200,000 (includes new transportation grant)
– Old age pension increased to $110,000 (including transportation grant)
– Public Assistance increased to $40,000 per person

In what can be described as one of the most sweeping social support packages in Guyana’s history, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday night unveiled significant 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 People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Sunday, 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 $5000 uniform allowance, giving parents a total of $55,000 per child.
“This is our minimum position,” President Ali told supporters. “We have exceeded every single thing we promised in the last five years. We don’t go back. We go forward. And as the economy grows, you can expect more benefits for your children and families.”

More support for vulnerable citizens
The President also announced a major boost in public assistance, which will increase 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 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. “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.”

Not empty promises
Throughout his address, President Ali underscored that these commitments are grounded in responsible economic planning, pointing to the country’s growing revenues from oil, gas, agriculture, and trade.
“Comrades, this is not empty promises or blank bullets,” he declared. “I am giving you the numbers, the costs to the economy, the budgetary implications. You can be assured your Government will implement and deliver this to you, the people of Guyana.”
Ali further emphasised that the grants and pensions are only part of a wider package that includes free education from nursery to university, expanded health care, direct housing support, business development grants, and significant regional investments.

Transforming Lethem and Region Nine
Turning specifically to Region Nine, the President highlighted Lethem’s rapid transformation and outlined plans for the next five years. One of the key areas of focus will be land regularisation, ensuring that residents receive proper ownership documents and security of tenure.
Another priority will be the expansion of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) services in the region. These will include more efficient border trade processing, making it easier for businesses and individuals to conduct transactions, and strengthening Guyana’s role in cross-border commerce.
The Government also intends to establish a fuel farm and refined product facility in Lethem.
According to President Ali, this investment will reduce transportation and energy costs, thereby lowering the overall cost of living for residents.
Regional trade is also set to benefit from integrated trade platforms with Brazil. These platforms will create stronger logistics links, open new markets, and foster cross-border collaboration that will transform Lethem into a hub for commerce and industry.

Agriculture remains central to the development agenda, and Dr Ali pledged heavy support for the livestock and agro-processing industries. This will include the construction of an abattoir and cold storage facilities, ensuring that farmers can add value to their products and reduce spoilage while accessing larger markets.
Further, tourism is another key sector targeted for growth. The Government plans to heavily invest in tourism development across the Rupununi, including training for hospitality workers, new incentive schemes for investors, and upgraded infrastructure to make the region more accessible to both domestic and international visitors.
“Lethem is transforming at an unimaginable pace,” Ali said. “We are working to make this region a hub for logistics, trade, agriculture, and tourism. The opportunities here are immense, and we are investing to ensure the people of Region Nine share directly in the prosperity of Guyana,” he stated.
President Ali reminded residents that in the last five years alone, Government investment in the region has exceeded $67 billion, with more than $150 million spent on scholarships.
Region Nine now boasts the highest per-capita enrolment in nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and patient care training programmes nationwide.
“This shows that once you are given the opportunity, you will make use of it,” Ali said. “And that is what our government is about – creating opportunities so that every Guyanese, regardless of where they live, can build a better life.”