The fiscal approach in Guyana’s 2026 National Budget

Dear Editor,
The 2026 Guyana National Budget has been framed with the theme “Putting People First”. This focus underscores a commitment to prioritising the needs and well-being of the population in current fiscal policies. At the same time, voices, particularly from the right, emphasise the importance of formulating a budget that considers the interests and prosperity of future generations. This perspective highlights the need to balance immediate social and economic needs with long-term fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Now is the moment to initiate substantial medium- and long-term public investments to stimulate job creation and foster new opportunities in Guyana’s essential industrial sectors. These sectors remain critical to Guyana’s ongoing development and prosperity. The focus should be on constructing new urban and interregional roads, investing in the energy sector, expanding low-carbon energy sources, improving essential public services such as childcare and healthcare, and significantly increasing the allocation of resources to public education at all levels and to the development of workers’ skills.
Investments in public services and energy efficiency are particularly labour-intensive. Such investments have the potential to create more jobs than increased consumer spending while also supporting Guyana’s environmental goals, community development, and social justice objectives. This strategy not only addresses immediate employment needs but also aligns with the broader aim of fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
A growth period driven by public investment is required to revitalise the entire economy. Public infrastructure and services play a crucial role in enhancing the productivity of the private sector; public-sector investment enables and facilitates further private-sector investment. This symbiotic relationship is vital for sustained economic progress.
Adopting a high-growth strategy centred on public investment may offer the most advantageous pathway for establishing Guyana’s modern industrial economy. Given current constraints on global demand, this approach is likely to provide a stronger foundation for sustained growth than traditional export-orientated strategies. It also offers a more effective way to create opportunities for the majority of Guyanese people in the short to medium term, helping to address employment challenges and promote economic inclusion.
Embarking on a journey toward transformational leadership, as exemplified by President Irfaan Ali, can profoundly impact one’s life. This leadership is distinguished by its focus not only on conventional economic growth metrics but also on the deeper values and aspirations at the heart of Guyana’s society.
Ultimately, the country ought to be a space dedicated to meaningful purpose, a place where people engage in work they value, alongside those they care about, and for causes they cherish. At the core of this vision lies morality, which signifies a clear recognition of right and wrong. It involves choosing to do what is right, regardless of the cost, and avoiding pitfalls that may compromise one’s integrity. By embracing moral leadership and purposeful action, Guyana can build a future that is both prosperous and principled.

Yours faithfully,
Sherwood Clarke
Clerical &
Commercial Workers’
Union (CCWU)