‘Putting People First’ – PPP/C tables first budget after landslide win

Riding on a landslide electoral victory, the PPP/C government on Monday presented its first national budget of the new term, unveiling budget 2026 under the theme: “Putting People First”.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh was keen to note that Budget 2026 is important because it sets the government’s agenda for the next five years, having been re-elected in the 2025 General and Regional Elections, which delivered a seven-seat majority in the House and the strongest mandate for the party since 1992.

The total sum of the budget for 2026 will be unveiled at the end of the presentation.

Dr. Singh opened his budget speech by pointing to the government’s track record since 2020, including stabilising the country after COVID-19, restoring economic growth, strengthening democratic institutions, reviving and expanding social programmes and positioning Guyana as an attractive destination for investment.

According to Dr Singh, in his opening remarks, Budget 2026 is anchored in the PPP/C’s 2025 Manifesto, which places the well-being of citizens at the centre of policy, with the goal of translating national prosperity into real benefits for households and communities.

He said the budget is designed to ensure access to housing, quality healthcare, education, jobs, public safety and clean, well-serviced communities, while also creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, investment and long-term wealth creation.

Emphasis was also placed on resilience, with measures aimed at protecting the economy and citizens from global shocks, climate impacts and commodity price fluctuations, as Guyana approaches its 60th year of independence.

Dr. Singh said Budget 2026 lays the foundation for sustained growth and transformation, with its central focus firmly on improving lives and expanding opportunities for all Guyanese.