Budget measures, policies to flow from consultations on social media harm, gambling and substance abuse – Minister Keoma Griffith

Ongoing nationwide consultations on the harmful effects of social media, gambling and substance abuse, including vaping, will help shape new policies and budgetary measures from 2026, Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith said Saturday night.

Griffith noted President Dr Irfaan Ali’s earlier pledged to task a cross-ministerial team – including the ministries of education, information and public service – with leading broad consultations on the issues.

“We will listen to you and shape policies that protect our families,” Griffith said in a video statement posted online.

He said consultations are already taking place across Guyana, with concrete measures to curb the social and economic damage caused by gambling expected to be reflected in the 2026 national budget. Griffith added that the government is also stepping up education and prevention efforts to tackle threats such as vaping and fentanyl, alongside strengthening international partnerships to combat smuggling.

In a recent address to the nation, President Ali said his administration has been “besieged by voices from across Guyana” – including parents, teachers and elders – warning about the corrosive effects of social media on children and classrooms.

“Only recently you’re seeing countries taking drastic steps for children and young people below the age of 16,” Ali said, noting that while the challenge is global, its impact is being keenly felt in Guyanese homes and schools.

Ali said he has been repeatedly urged to act and has directed the relevant ministers to embark on a national consultation process to ensure the government’s response is “thoughtful, inclusive and anchored in the recommendations of our people” as policies are shaped for the next five years.