$100K cash grant distribution to continue after 2025 Budget is passed, says Nandlall

As over 300,000 Guyanese await their $100,000 cash grant, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has reassured citizens that the funds will be distributed once the 2025 National Budget is passed.

In his ‘Issues in the News’ commentary on Tuesday night, Nandlall addressed the ongoing distribution and responded to criticism from the opposition regarding delays.

“…we have repeatedly assured every single individual that they will receive their money. The remaining funds for the grant are included in the 2025 budget, which cannot be fully disbursed until the budget is passed,” Nandlall said

The 2025 budget was presented to Parliament on January 17, and MPs are currently engaged in debates before examining the estimates line by line next week. The budget is expected to be passed by the end of the first week of February, after which the remaining grants will be distributed.

This initiative, announced by President Irfaan Ali in October 2024, aims to inject approximately $60 billion of disposable income into the economy, benefiting over 400,000 citizens.

Despite opposition criticisms, Nandlall remains confident that the system is functioning well, and he reiterated that the completion of the process hinges on the passing of the 2025 budget.

“We have to go through this process,” Nandlall stated.

“Once the budget is passed, the distribution will continue and everyone will receive their funds,” Nandlall explained.

Nandlall described the cash grant initiative as a “massive exercise” never before attempted in the country. He acknowledged the challenges of such a large-scale operation but insisted that every effort had been made to ensure the grants reach their rightful recipients.

The distribution of the $100,000 cash grant has already begun, with 90,000 cheques handed out to eligible Guyanese adults by the end of 2024. Recipients so far include public sector workers, pensioners, and residents of remote hinterland regions.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, presenting the 2025 budget on January 17, confirmed that more than 400,000 Guyanese have already registered for the scheme. A total of 300,000 cheques have been printed and are ready for distribution.