As robust debates on Guyana’s $1.558 trillion Budget 2026 loom in the National Assembly next week, newly-appointed Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning and first-time parliamentarian, Keoma Griffith, says he is looking forward to making his maiden contribution to the House while urging the opposition to approach the process with balance and responsibility.
Griffith shared his views on Monday following Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh’s marathon six-hour budget presentation, describing the experience as both intense and energising.
“It was exciting. It felt like a marathon presentation by Dr. Singh, who is always outstanding,” Griffith said, noting that what stood out most was the budget’s theme of “Putting People First.”
As debates get set to begin next week, Griffith said he expects the opposition APNU to bring its customary criticisms, but appealed for a more constructive approach.
“I’m hoping the opposition approaches the process with maturity,” he said. “They will come with a narrative, but I hope they also look at the good this budget offers the people of Guyana so we can have a reasonable and balanced debate.”
Griffith confirmed that he is eager to take the floor when debates commence, marking his first address as a parliamentarian in what is expected to be a closely watched budget season.
According to the new minister, the 2026 budget represents the first tangible instalment of promises made by the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during the 2025 election campaign.
“This presentation really is the first instalment of many of the commitments we made to the people of Guyana,” he said.
“Across every sector, you would have heard about initiatives and policies that are people-centred. That’s why I’m excited, not just for what the budget offers, but to be part of this process.”
Griffith outlined key priorities for the Ministry of Labour under the 2026 allocations, beginning with strengthening labour justice and enforcement across all sectors.
“We are intent on ensuring decent work for all Guyanese…miners, construction workers, everyone,” he said. “Any employer or employee who feels their rights are being violated should know that these services will be available to them, across the country.”
He also highlighted what he described as one of the most significant investments in human capital to date, with more than $2.5 billion allocated for technical and vocational skills training.
Over the past five years, Griffith noted, more than 100,000 job vacancies were filled, according to labour force survey data, while over 16,000 people received technical and vocational training—many of whom have since become entrepreneurs.
“That’s not just 16,000 individuals; that’s 16,000 households, families, and communities seeing an uplift in their lives,” he said.
Pointing to the broader budget measures, Griffith said workers across the country stand to benefit from a package of more than 35 tax relief and cost-of-living initiatives announced by the finance minister.
“These measures are about ensuring more money remains in the pockets of people,” he explained, referencing reduced and removed taxes, reforms to vehicle ownership costs, and new grants targeting children and families. “A vehicle is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity, and this budget recognises that reality.”
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