Highlighting Guyana’s growing appeal as a place to live and retire, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that increasing numbers of Guyanese in the diaspora are returning home to register for and receive their pensions locally.
He made the remarks on Friday during a Labour Day Brunch hosted at State House, where he outlined that the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration remains committed to continuously increasing pensions.
Old Age Pension now stands at $46,000 per month for citizens aged 65 and older. Additionally, pensioners can access a $20,000 per annum transportation grant.
“All the Guyanese overseas are paying a ticket to come back home to get registered for that old age pension that is non-contributory,” President Ali disclosed, underscoring the appeal of the government’s pension system to returning diaspora members.
The Head of State emphasized the need for building an environment where citizens can retire with dignity, highlighting the government’s comprehensive approach to ensuring quality of life for seniors.
“How we are building our pension system to take care of you when you retire. How we allow you to retire in dignity. How we build infrastructure, retirement homes, hospital, dialysis care, cancer care, diabetes care. How do we build a health infrastructure, recreational facilities, better roads and better transport system to allow you to retire in dignity,” President Ali explained.
He said this is why the government is placing much emphasis on developing a care industry. The government will soon roll out a nationwide community outreach programme to identify ideal areas for its co-investment initiative in care centres, for both the elderly and children.
The government has said it is prepared to offer targeted tax incentives and other forms of support to individuals interested in establishing such centres across the country.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud has explained that the initiative will be implemented through a range of flexible models and that individuals involved in the venture must be trained in care—something which is being offered for free by the government.
The expansion of pension benefits and development of care infrastructure reflects the government’s broader strategy to make Guyana an attractive destination for retiring citizens and diaspora members seeking to return home, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities in the care sector.
