‘This and every PPP/C budget puts people first’ – President Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday said every People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) budget has delivered real benefits to ordinary Guyanese, as he continued his Budget 2026 explainer series.

In his address, the President said successive PPP/C budgets have consistently reduced the cost of living and expanded opportunities, pointing to the removal of more than 200 taxes, the reversal of increased water rates, and the return of the “Because We Care” cash grant for schoolchildren, all of which were taken away under the previous APNU+AFC administration.

He also highlighted the restoration of land rental charges and fees, renewed support for farmers, miners and bauxite workers, and the reopening of the call centre in Region Ten, noting that nearly 1,000 bauxite jobs were restored after hundreds were lost under the former government.

Turning to Budget 2026, President Ali rejected claims that it does not benefit ordinary citizens, saying such statements ignore clear measures outlined by the Minister of Finance.

Among the key initiatives, he pointed to the increase in the low-income housing ceiling, allowing more Guyanese to access affordable mortgages, a $7.5 billion housing and home improvement subsidy for vulnerable families, reductions in VAT on vehicles, and continued zero excise tax on fuel to ease transportation and living costs.

He also noted billions of dollars in support for first-time homeowners, increased “Because We Care” grants, a new annual transportation grant for schoolchildren, continued payment of CXC exam fees, higher old-age pensions, and a new transportation grant for pensioners.

President Ali said these measures amount to hundreds of billions of dollars being transferred directly to citizens, alongside tax relief such as the removal of net property tax and an increase in the income tax threshold.

“Who benefits?” the President asked. “It is Guyanese.”

He urged citizens to remain focused on the facts and said the Government remains committed to delivering budgets that improve lives and build shared prosperity.