Guyana President Ali announces $200,000 annual support per child, increases for pensioners
Key Points(5)
- 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.
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.
