Guyana’s President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has unveiled sweeping new benefits for children and pensioners if his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is returned to office in the September 1 elections.
Speaking at a rally in Lethem, Region Nine, on Sunday evening, Ali announced that each child will receive GY$200,000 annually in government support. The package includes a new $100,000 transportation grant, along with a doubling of the Because We Care cash grant from $50,000 to $100,000.
“We are going to put in your children’s pockets an additional $200,000 every year at a minimum,” Ali declared to an energized crowd.
The president explained that the combined initiatives will inject some $40 billion annually into the nation’s children, a sharp increase from the approximately $10 billion currently allocated under the Because We Care and uniform grants.
“All of these are our minimum positions…because once our economy performs at a higher than expected rate, then you can expect more benefits and expanded benefits coming to you and your children,” Ali said.
At present, children in public and private schools receive $50,000 through the Because We Care programme, plus a $5,000 uniform grant — totaling $55,000 per year.
In addition to child benefits, Ali also outlined new measures for seniors. He announced that the PPP/C will introduce a $50,000 annual transportation grant for every pensioner, while raising the old age pension to $60,000 per month.
“Tonight, I’m pleased to tell you that we are going to set aside at a minimum $65 billion for old age pensioners. That means that pension will be, at a minimum, $60,000,” the president said.
“We are also going to set aside a further $4 billion to support transportation, and that is $50,000,” he added.
The PPP/C has already increased pensions since taking office, doubling the old age pension from $20,500 in 2020 to $41,000.
