$72B budgeted as over 700,000 Guyanese to receive $100,000 cash grant soon after budget is passed

A massive $72.5 billion allocation under the Office of the Prime Minister in the 2026 national budget will support the government’s planned second tranche of the $100,000 cash grant, which is expected to be paid to more than 700,000 Guyanese shortly after the budget is passed.

The disclosure was made during the consideration of the 2026 budget estimates in the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly on Monday, where Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed that the allocation caters specifically for the one-off cash grant programme.

When asked how many citizens the $72.5 billion would cover, Phillips said for planning purposes the government is catering for 716,261 persons.

Opposition MP Vinceroy Jordan questioned when the disbursement would begin, and Phillips responded that once the budget is passed, the Ministry of Finance will begin preparations to roll out the payout.

He reminded the Assembly that President Dr Irfaan Ali has already informed the nation that the grant will be paid after the 2026 budget is approved.

“We will be working towards paying this money as early as possible to the people of Guyana after the passage of this budget,” Phillips said.

Jordan also asked whether citizens would be required to register again for the second tranche of the cash grant.

Phillips explained that over 600,000 Guyanese had already registered during the first phase and that government has records from that process. He said the list will now be updated and cleaned to reflect changes, including deaths.

The Prime Minister also revealed that an additional 14,000 Guyanese are expected to qualify for the cash grant this year, largely due to citizens turning 18 and becoming eligible.

He noted that this will require a further registration exercise to capture those new beneficiaries.

Phillips also responded to questions about the basis for the $100,000 figure, stating that the government made the decision in 2024 and has since promised citizens that the grant would be paid again.

He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to shared prosperity and that all Guyanese 18 years and older—including members of the opposition—will benefit once they qualify as citizens.

The Prime Minister dismissed further criticism about whether the grant is sufficient in light of the cost of living, stating that the Minister of Finance already outlined multiple measures in the 2026 “people’s budget” aimed at easing financial burdens and supporting citizens nationwide.

Consideration of the budget estimates continues in the National Assembly as agencies defend allocations ahead of final approval of the 2026 national budget.