President Irfaan Ali has announced that the Guyanese government will distribute a one-time grant of $100,000 to each citizen aged 18 and older.
This shift from a household based approach to an individual distribution model emerged after concerns surfaced regarding fairness and transparency in the allocation process.
To qualify for this revised grant, individuals are required to present a valid Guyanese passport or national ID card.
President Ali explained that the initial household-based plan led to disputes and challenges in defining a “household,” making it difficult to ensure all eligible citizens could benefit.
The revised strategy aims to prevent conflicts within families over grant access and reduce administrative burdens by simplifying the verification process.
Recent trends of citizens rushing to change vehicle registrations and creating tenancy agreements to establish separate households underscored the need for change.
Acknowledging these complications, President Ali emphasized that the new approach would provide equal access to the grant, ensuring a fairer, more transparent system for citizens.
The government’s updated plan now offers every Guyanese citizen aged 18 and over a $100,000 cash grant, with a straightforward verification method using either a valid ID card or passport.
Alongside this financial support, President Ali reiterated his commitment to improving educational access.
Beginning in January 2025, the government will abolish tuition fees at the University of Guyana and waive tuition costs at all government technical and vocational institutions, furthering the administration’s goal to enhance opportunities for citizens.