The 2026 Budget Debate commenced on Monday afternoon, featuring intense presentations from a fragmented opposition and a robust defense from the government side. The debate in the National Assembly opened with We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Parliamentarian Dr. Andre Lewis, a first-time member of the opposition, who expressed gratitude to Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and his team for their efforts in crafting the $1.558 trillion national spending plan.
Dr. Lewis stressed the need for enhanced safeguards in the management of Guyana’s oil funds. Following his remarks, APNU’s Vinceroy Jordan contributed a shorter presentation. As the shadow MP for the agriculture sector in the previous Parliament, Jordan criticized the government’s continued financial support to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) without a proper plan. His comments drew backlash from the government, which has consistently defended its investments in GuySuCo and condemned the previous administration for closing estates and harming thousands of livelihoods.
The budget allocates $13.4 billion to the sugar industry, focusing on mechanization, factory upgrades, and an increased push for value-added production.
The government’s response came from Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, who vocally rejected the initial opposition presentations. He emphasized how the budget would facilitate Guyana’s sustainable development, characterizing the opposition as a “band of naysayers” unable to recognize the benefits of targeted investments.
Minister Edghill highlighted the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge as a transformational project that alleviates daily commuting challenges for thousands. He argued that significant investments in infrastructure are essential for improving citizens’ lives and addressing cost-of-living concerns.
“When we build airstrips, we bring down the cost of living for people in the area… when we buy more ferries, the cost of moving cargo becomes cheaper, bringing down the cost of food for people,” Edghill asserted.
The Budget Debate is set to continue throughout the week, with more presentations anticipated from both Government and Opposition Parliamentarians as discussions around the national spending plan unfold.
