In a Sunday afternoon address broadcast live on Facebook, President Dr. Irfaan Ali presented a “deliberate and clear strategy” aimed at reducing poverty across Guyana. He committed to a multi-pronged approach targeting various vulnerable groups, including the unemployed, pensioners, schoolchildren, and indigenous communities.
Dr. Ali emphasized that the next five years will see expanded social welfare programs and strengthened safety nets designed to empower vulnerable populations economically. “We have to build systems that don’t just address short-term challenges, but holistically tackle the long-term issues linked to poverty,” he stated.
Key Poverty Alleviation Measures
Among the measures to be expanded or introduced are:
Higher old-age pensions and public assistance grants
Targeted financial aid for single parents and persons living with disabilities
Increased cash transfers and salaries for public servants
Access to free education, including textbooks, transportation, and digital learning tools
Healthcare subsidies covering treatments like dialysis, cancer care, and maternal services
Dr. Ali highlighted the importance of reaching families “where they are” by continuing programs such as school feeding, providing free spectacles and dental care for those in need, and supporting home construction.
Additionally, the government plans to reduce taxes on low-income earners and simplify the tax system to increase disposable income. The President concluded that this holistic system will “empower the poorest segments of our communities” and integrate them into the productive economy.
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