Business and Economic Commentary by Christopher Ram
Part 11
Introduction
In what was probably his most consequential address to Parliament, President Ali, this past Thursday, gave us more than a glimpse of what will be announced in Budget 2025 – an election year. It was a comprehensive and ambitious presentation, embodying responses to calls by various stakeholders for several years. The President also reflected on his Government’s achievements since retaking power in 2020, outlining them in detail before turning to the future – 2030 and beyond. With oil revenues driving the economy and the agenda, the President committed vast sums to reshape Guyana’s future, improve living standards, and build a modern, resilient nation.
At times, the address felt personal, with the President using the word “I” more than fifty times as he laid out his vision for harnessing oil revenues to fund large-scale cash transfers, subsidies, and public investments.