-free university education from January, 50% cut in power tariff before end of 2025
President Irfaan Ali yesterday announced a cash payment of $200,000 to each household, free university education from January next year, a 50% cut in electricity charges before the end of 2025, a universal health voucher of $10,000 and a minimum wage of $100,000 per month in the public sector by the end of 2025 among other measures.
In a sweeping address to the National Assembly, he also lambasted the former APNU+AFC government for broken promises and unveiled a range of initiatives to be funded from the country’s burgeoning oil wealth.
Speaking for over three hours yesterday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in what was a mini budget, the President also plans for what he called Vision 2030 – an early drive for re-election next year.
A cornerstone of the President’s announcements was a one-off cash grant of $200,000 to every household, projected to total $60 billion by the end of 2025 which set tongues wagging.
“This initiative will significantly enhance the disposable income of our citizens, providing a vital boost to the economy,” he stated.
In a commitment to public sector employees, he announced that “no government worker would earn less than $100,000 monthly by 2025”, which is expected to increase total public sector income by over $1 billion. Additionally, a $10,000 monthly income tax deduction for parents for each child aims to alleviate financial burdens on families.
Further emphasizing educational reforms, Ali announced the reintroduction of free tuition at the University of Guyana starting in January 2025.
“Education is a right, and we must ensure that financial barriers do not hinder our youth from achieving their potential,” he emphasized. He also noted that data from the University of Guyana indicates that upwards of 85% of graduates find jobs shortly after completing their studies across various fields, including engineering, medicine, and business.
“Mister Speaker, an active labour market, combined with special legislation such as the Local Content Act of 2021, means that our people now have real choices,” President Ali said. He highlighted those skilled tradespeople, like masons and electricians, can now earn in one day what they previously made in a week. “The economy we are building is not of past generations. It is one that is diversified, offering high-yielding, high-paying jobs,” he asserted.
He noted a historic agreement with the Guyana Teachers’ Union in August 2024, under which teachers will receive salary increases over the next three years: 10% in 2024, 8% in 2025, and 9% in 2026. Additionally, adjustments will be made to several allowances for teachers, including remote area incentives and those for postgraduate qualifications. “We don’t demonstrate our love and commitment to people by noise; we demonstrate our commitment and love to people by real action, real policy, and real intervention,” he declared.
Health initiatives included a $10,000 universal health voucher for all citizens, set to roll out next year. This initiative aims to provide baseline testing to combat prevalent non-communicable diseases, addressing critical health issues affecting the population.
The President also discussed various types of financial support, stating, “We allocated $5 billion in 2022 for measures that include support to farmers and a one-off cash grant to households totaling $1.2 billion.” On the agricultural front, President Ali announced forthcoming provisions for the poultry and meat industry, asserting, “Guyana will be the poultry and meat production capital of the Caribbean,” which aims to stimulate both investment and production.
He highlighted that in 2024 the government plans to allocate $4 to $7 billion for similar initiatives, focusing on reducing construction costs and enhancing home ownership. “This is how we are promoting prosperity, home ownership, and the distribution of wealth,” he asserted.
Air capacity
As part of his vision for national security, President Ali spoke about expanding the air capacity of the Guyana Defence Force to include firefighting from the skies.
“This is key and critical as the architecture changes are evident in our country as we look towards 2030,” he said. He described a dynamic approach to security and defence that leverages emerging technologies, including an AI-powered framework for intelligence gathering and threat detection. “Our investment in cyber-resilient infrastructure ensures robust protection against cyber threats,” he added.
The President also emphasized enhancing the capabilities of the Guyana Police Force through digital transformation, which includes automated case management and the deployment of a real-time citizen reporting platform. “We aim to keep Guyana at the forefront of regional security,” he asserted, highlighting efforts to strengthen borders and safeguard valuable oil and gas assets.
Additionally, the President promised a 50% reduction in electricity prices for consumers by the end of 2025, while also exploring plans to establish international airports in Lethem to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth. He shared plans for a partnership with Harvard and Oxford universities to create an International Centre of Biodiversity, aimed at protecting and restoring critical ecosystems.
Ali emphasized the need for improved public procurement and financial management to foster transparency and accountability. His Vision 2030 strategy seeks to ensure food security, climate resilience, and sustainable job creation, with targets such as creating 18,000 new jobs in the offshore sector and providing scholarships to 29,000 women.
Further in his address, the President outlined a vision for modernizing the public procurement system, emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity. “Amongst the initiatives implemented to strengthen public procurement since returning to office, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board has conducted an extensive review of all standard bidding documents and finalized a new set of bidding documents,” he stated.
The President acknowledged the need for a more advanced procurement framework. “We are the first to recognize that the tender system requires further modernization and reform. Let us be the first to acknowledge that we must build a paperless system, less reliant on human interference, where public accountability remains open and transparent.” He expressed a determination to confront challenges head-on, stating, “We are not about hiding our heads away from challenges; we are about finding solutions.”
“Since taking office in 2020, significant steps have been taken to enhance the procurement landscape. A new Public Procurement Commission has been established, rigorously carrying out its constitutional duties. Addition-ally, a Bid Protest Committee has been appointed to further safeguard the integrity of the public procurement system”, the President highlighted. Another achievement mentioned by the President was “Already, more than 3,000 new businesses have started supplying works and services to the government across a wide range of areas.” He emphasized the administration’s commitment to expanding procurement opportunities for all segments of the Guyanese population, particularly focusing on small and regional contractors. “The system must be designed to ensure that these service providers are not locked out, but instead find pathways to success.”
Transcends
Looking ahead, the President outlined a vision of building regional and national capacity that transcends local competition. “We must develop contractors who can compete regionally and internationally, just as foreign firms compete here.” He articulated the importance of local capacity building in achieving the highest standards, positioning Guyana as a formidable competitor on the international stage.
In a technological push, the President announced plans to implement digital solutions aimed at fostering transparency and efficiency. “We will deploy digital e-procurement platforms to publicize government procurement opportunities and facilitate electronic submissions, moving towards a more paperless system.”
With these reforms, the President said he aimed to convey a message of hope and progress, asserting, “Nothing will stop us from achieving this.” The President also underscored the critical importance of the oil and gas sector to the economy, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the sector’s revenues. “Recognizing the growing significance of the oil and gas sector in our economy, we have taken a number of actions to ensure compliance with the highest standards of transparency,” he stated, vowing that the government would maintain a clear distance from conflicts of interest.
Central to his message was the introduction of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, enacted on January 1, 2022. This legislation, he noted, represents a fundamental shift in governance, transferring oversight powers from the Minister of Finance to an independent Board of Directors. “That is transparency. That is accountability,” the President asserted, highlighting the act’s provisions that require all petroleum revenues to be deposited into the NRF.
Furthermore, the President addressed Guyana’s commitment to international standards, announcing the publication of the country’s fifth Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report, a testament to ongoing efforts in financial transparency. He also highlighted advancements in the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, asserting that these reforms are crucial as Guyana’s profile in the global economy grows.
In a bid to modernize the tax collection process, the President outlined substantial improvements at the Guyana Revenue Authority, including a shift towards digital transactions. According to Ali, “over the past four years, more than $189 billion in taxes have been processed through an online platform, with an aim for a paperless system by 2030.”
As part of a broader legislative agenda, the government is focused on establishing a robust regulatory framework to support the oil and gas sector while ensuring that local content laws benefit the Guyanese workforce. “More than 65% of the workforce in the oil and gas sector is now Guyanese, with almost 70% of those being women,” the President noted, emphasizing the economic opportunities created for local businesses.
He also announced ongoing reforms in public health and agriculture legislation aimed at enhancing food security and safety, while modernizing commercial laws to foster economic growth. “We recognize that the present structure cannot meet the growth trajectory of our country,” he stated, outlining a vision for a more sophisticated economic framework.
The President also laid out an agenda aimed at fortifying national security and enhancing governance in Guyana. Emphasizing a commitment to reforms, he highlighted the introduction of new laws designed to bolster the justice system, including measures to combat money laundering, improve road safety, and address critical issues in cyberspace, firearms, and violent offences. The President announced that a constitutional reform commission is currently reviewing the nation’s foundational document, aiming to elevate governance, democracy, and citizens’ rights.
“We cannot afford another 2020,” the President declared, referencing the challenges that undermined electoral integrity in past elections. He affirmed that significant changes to electoral laws have been implemented to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of elections, underscoring that the credibility of the nation cannot be compromised by the self-serving actions of a few.
Despite these strides, the President acknowledged that further efforts are essential to support Guyana’s expanding maritime trade and tourism. He outlined the vision for a maritime economy by 2030, which includes crucial projects such as the dredging of the Demerara River and the establishment of a deep-water port. “We are continuously working on the planning processes necessary to achieve these outcomes,” he stated.
Highlighting investments in the justice sector, the President noted the appointment of 12 magistrates and 10 high court judges—an unprecedented milestone in Guyana’s judicial history. This overhaul aims to ensure a functional, fair, and just judicial system, critical for fostering a reliable environment for investment and signaling stability to the international community.
The address also pivoted towards the digital economy, with the President expressing a commitment to harness digital technology for national development. He introduced initiatives like the One Guyana Digital Initiative, which aims to train over 2,000 citizens in technology, and the Guyana Coursera platform, providing free access to educational resources for up to 400,000 citizens.
Digital school
Furthermore, the proposed Guyana Digital School aims to equalize educational opportunities for children nationwide, integrating advanced technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the learning experience. “Our goal is to create a citizen-centric digital ecosystem that not only promotes education but also fosters innovation and inclusivity,” he said.
The President also outlined plans for digital incubation programmes to support SMEs, particularly empowering young people, women, and individuals with disabilities to access funding and global markets. He stressed the importance of modernizing sectors like agriculture through technology, mentioning the use of drones for farming and innovative solutions for poultry production.
The President also laid out a vision for Guyana’s digital future and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the government’s commitment to harnessing technology for economic growth and sustainable development.
“We have operationalized 121 ICT hubs in the hinterland, with an additional 26 in progress,” the President stated, underscoring the government’s aggressive push towards a transformative digital economy. The introduction of satellite connections to broadband infrastructure aims to ensure reliable, high-speed internet access for all Guyanese, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The President detailed advancements in healthcare, highlighting the rollout of e-health services to enhance patient care and data management. “Our vision is to position Guyana as the epicentre of regional healthcare,” he declared. The planned electronic health record system is set to launch in 2025, aiming for a nationwide deployment before 2030.
“By the end of 2025, all medical imaging will be entirely digital, eliminating the cumbersome practice of transporting physical X-rays,” the President announced. Additionally, plans to expand telemedicine sites from 50 to at least 250 within the next year will not only improve healthcare access but also serve as educational platforms for health service providers.
On the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), the President expressed ambition for Guyana to lead in this sphere, proposing the establishment of an AI ecosystem that spans various industries. “We will leverage our abundant energy resources to establish a world-class AI data centre powered by natural gas,” he stated, highlighting the environmental benefits of using less polluting energy sources.
Addressing digital sovereignty, the President spoke of the recently passed Data Protection Act and the implementation of a national digital ID card. “If we hadn’t taken these proactive steps, navigating borders would have become increasingly difficult,” he asserted, reassuring citizens of the government’s commitment to protecting their personal data.
The President also detailed efforts in climate finance through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which he emphasized as a model for integrated economic growth and environmental preservation. “Guyana’s potential earnings from forest assets are estimated between $45-55 billion annually,” he noted, pointing to significant progress in carbon credit sales that are reinvested in local communities.
In addressing agriculture, the President reported a 94% increase in private capital investment and emphasized the establishment of a robust food ecosystem. “We’re building a food ecosystem that is resilient and sustainable, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said. The commitment to increase production across various sectors, including aquaculture and rice, aims to enhance self-sufficiency.
The President pointed to a plan to deliver level four healthcare across all regions, including the establishment of 12 state-of-the-art hospitals and the addition of 1,326 new hospital beds. By 2030, the new Georgetown Hospital is expected to be completed, significantly enhancing healthcare access for residents.
The administration has abolished corporate taxes on private health facilities, attracting over $15 billion in private investment aimed at modernizing healthcare infrastructure. This includes the development of dialysis treatment centres and specialty hospitals focused on eye care, organ transplants, and critical surgeries such as knee and hip replacements.
Complex
“Our public healthcare system has doubled its surgical volume since 2019, performing more than 22,000 surgeries annually,” the President stated. “We are on track to become a regional leader in complex medical procedures.”
Additional initiatives include the expansion of community health facilities and a significant increase in the availability of medical supplies, with 85-90% of essential drugs now accessible through public health channels. The introduction of universal healthcare vouchers, set to begin in 2025, will provide families with $10,000 per child for essential health screenings, benefiting up to 500,000 individuals.
Turning to education, the President highlighted substantial improvements in infrastructure, with the construction of 42 new nursery schools, 16 primary schools, and 23 secondary schools in the past four years. The government is also focused on inclusivity, with an emphasis on special needs education.
“By the end of next year, we will achieve universal secondary education, and we’re aiming for free university education at the University of Guyana starting in January 2025,” he announced, stating that this initiative will impact over 11,000 students and is projected to cost the government around $18 billion.
The administration’s commitment to training has resulted in an increase in qualified teachers, particularly from hinterland areas, with significant investments in Teacher Training Colleges.
In his speech, the President also addressed housing, announcing the achievement of 76% of the goal to deliver 50,000 house lots, alongside a commitment to develop Silica City, an innovative urban project incorporating modern technology and green infrastructure.
In a bid to enhance access to water, new treatment plants are set to provide quality water to 90% of the population by 2025. Infrastructure investments, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars, have led to the completion of over 4,000 community roads and numerous bridges, aiming to improve connectivity across regions.
“This is not merely a plan; it is our future,” the President said, emphasizing the collaborative effort required from all Guyanese to realize this vision. “Together, we will build a healthier, more educated, and prosperous nation.”
The President also addressed strides made in Guyana’s mining sector and broader economy from 2020 to 2024. Emphasizing the revival of a once struggling industry, the President noted that the mining sector has undergone transformative changes that have not only revitalized operations but have also provided substantial benefits to miners and the national economy.
He announced that three large-scale gold mining companies are set to boost production to one million ounces by 2030, reflecting significant investment in exploration.
The manufacturing sector is also expected to thrive, bolstered by the completion of the Wales Development Authority and the gas energy project, which will reduce electricity costs and enhance manufacturing feasibility.
In his vision for 2030, the President outlined a commitment to embedding value creation within the economy, aiming for each sector and citizen to realize pathways to growth and improvement. He emphasized the importance of building an economy where quality of life and individual potential are prioritized, not just financial wealth.
Turning to cultural development, youth, and sports, the President announced a multi-billion-dollar investment in world-class facilities across the country, focusing on health, wellness, and community engagement. He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering youth, with over 50,000 young people trained in various skills, and the revival of the Guyanese Prize for Literature to promote homegrown talent.
The President also spoke about the integrated sports economy, which aims to combine sports, entertainment, and culture to drive economic growth and tourism. With plans for eco-tourism and significant investments in hospitality, the administration aims to position Guyana as a premier destination for visitors.
Furthermore, the President highlighted the crucial role of women in the economy, noting increased participation in law enforcement and education. Initiatives such as the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network have transformed the lives of over 12,000 women, contributing billions in disposable income to households.
In addressing the elderly, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that pensioners can retire with dignity, having increased pensions by 75% and enhancing delivery systems for timely access. Plans for future support include mentorship programmes and increased accessibility to digital services.
The President highlighted Guyana’s role in international security, noting its recent election to a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council. He reaffirmed the nation’s stance on key global issues, condemning terrorist attacks and calling for humanitarian support for affected populations.
Shifting focus to national security, the President underscored the government’s solemn duty to protect the people, territory, and values of Guyana. As Commander in Chief, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring national sovereignty and democratic values, particularly through substantial investments in defence capabilities. Over the past four years, the administration allocated $235 billion to the security sector, marking an 864% increase in defence spending since 2020, the highest allocation ever made to national security. This investment, according to Ali, “supports a proactive, intelligence-driven defence strategy that emphasizes human resource development, modern facilities, and advanced technology. The transformation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has resulted in a 16% reduction in serious crimes and the successful seizure of over 544 illegal firearms. Additionally, the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has intercepted more than 15 tons of narcotics, showcasing the impact of targeted investment in law enforcement.”
The President highlighted international partnerships that bolster Guyana’s defence capabilities, including joint maritime and aerial patrols with the United States. Defense cooperation agreements with nations such as the UK, France, and India have enhanced training and resource acquisition, including the purchase of new offshore patrol vessels and aircraft.
The Guyana Defence Force is, according to the President, “focusing on protecting offshore assets and enhancing domain awareness through advanced radar and satellite systems. The establishment of new units, such as a Cyber Crime Unit within the GPF, aims to improve the nation’s operational capacity in response to evolving security threats.”
Despite the optimistic vision, the absence of opposition members from the PNCR, who protested outside the venue, did not go unnoticed. In response, President Ali called for unity, stating, “I encourage the seats that portray emptiness today to join us in creating a Guyana where prosperity means something for every household.”
