Georgetown, Guyana – On Wednesday, President Irfaan Ali declared that all Guyanese citizens who turn 18 before January 1, 2024, will receive a one-time grant of $100,000 ($480.54 USD). This initiative replaces the previously announced cash grant of $200,000 ($961.08 USD) per household and aims to increase disposable income, improve opportunities, and build prosperity for Guyanese citizens.
President Ali stressed that the new measure eliminates obstacles to access and streamlines administrative procedures. He also mentioned that the decision was influenced by the feedback from thousands of Guyanese citizens who engaged with him and his Cabinet members, expressing positive thoughts about the measures announced last Thursday.
In order to create autonomous households, the President emphasized that the administration had seen a rush to move utility meters and draft lease agreements. The President asked for a review of the previous measure in order to increase the benefits. This review was based on a number of principles, including lowering the administrative burden of the benefit, streamlining access procedures, enhancing ease of verification, minimizing potential conflicts, and guaranteeing an open and transparent delivery system.
To be eligible for the grant, a person must possess a current passport or Guyanese identity card. President Ali stated that the goal of the new policy is to guarantee the greatest potential benefit for the Guyanese people, even if it would cost far more than the $60 billion ($288.62 million USD) that was originally set aside for the one-time household award.
President Ali also announced the elimination of tuition costs at the University of Guyana, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, in addition to the financial assistance. All government technical and vocational training facilities, such as the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, and the Guyana Industrial Training Center, would also be covered by this policy. The decision is anticipated to help an extra 3,000 people in Guyana and is consistent with the government’s initiatives to guarantee that all Guyanese have increased access to benefits and education.
