By Kurt Campbell
kurt@newsroom.gy
Guyana’s largest-ever budget was presented in the National Assembly on Monday, with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, detailing a $1.558 trillion blueprint aimed at translating the country’s robust economic growth into tangible benefits for every Guyanese.
Budget 2026, the first of the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration following its landslide victory in the September 2025 elections, represents a 12.7 per cent increase over last year and a staggering 307 per cent jump from the $383.1 billion budget of 2021.
The theme, “Putting the People First,” underscores the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and expanding opportunities for all citizens.
Delivering the six-hour presentation, Dr Singh painted a picture of a Guyana on the move: an economy expanding at 19.3 per cent in 2025, with the non-oil economy growing 14.3 per cent, reflecting broad-based growth across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, and services. “Budget 2026 is designed to translate sustained economic expansion into tangible investments that improve livelihoods, strengthen communities, and modernise national infrastructure,” the minister said.
Housing, agriculture, and human capital feature prominently in the budget. Over $159 billion is allocated to advance the government’s housing drive, expanding access to affordable homes and upgrading infrastructure across regions. In education, $183.6 billion is earmarked for school infrastructure, teacher development, and skills training to meet the needs of a growing, modern economy. Agriculture, including agro-processing and value-added production, receives $113.2 billion to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr Singh highlighted that these are not mere expenditures, but “investments that build the foundation of a more prosperous and secure society.” Social protection remains central to the government’s agenda, with $78.3 billion targeted at supporting children, women, the elderly, and vulnerable groups, while $7.5 billion will advance development in Amerindian communities.
Infrastructure development continues at scale, with $196.1 billion set aside to expand and rehabilitate roads and bridges, improving connectivity and supporting commerce. The energy sector will receive $119.4 billion to lower electricity costs, enhance reliability, and promote industrial growth. Hinterland and riverine mobility is also a priority, with $11.2 billion dedicated to river transport and $3.2 billion for the new 150,000-square-foot terminal at Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Recognising the importance of economic diversification, Budget 2026 allocates $2.2 billion to complete the Hospitality and Tourism Institute, expected to train over 700 professionals. Culture and creative industries, part of the so-called “Orange Economy,” receive $3.7 billion for initiatives including the Palmyra Cultural Market and the National Art Gallery and Museum. Sporting infrastructure and community programmes are also supported with a $6 billion investment.
The budget reflects a commitment to economic empowerment. SMEs, youth, women, and persons living with disabilities will benefit from access to micro-credit loans at zero interest through the Guyana Development Bank, complemented by mentorship and co-investment schemes with commercial banks.
Other measures to increase disposable income include raising the old age pension from $41,000 to $46,000 per month, boosting public assistance to $25,000, and increasing stipends for community workers to $50,000 monthly. A National Cash Grant of $100,000 for every adult Guyanese will again be disbursed in 2026, while income tax thresholds are raised to $140,000 monthly.
Dr Singh framed the budget as a blueprint for resilience and opportunity: “The Guyana we are building is one where every family can aspire to homeownership, where our children access world-class education, and where economic opportunity is the birthright of every citizen.”
Budget 2026 also draws on Guyana’s oil wealth, with projected government earnings of US$2.4 billion in profit oil from the Stabroek Block and US$375 million in royalties, while maintaining no new taxes for citizens. These resources, the minister emphasised, are being deployed to ensure that prosperity is shared across regions, communities, and households.
As Guyana approaches its 60th independence anniversary, Budget 2026 signals a new phase in the country’s development—a people-first approach designed to build not just infrastructure, but opportunity, security, and dignity for every Guyanese.
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