Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced that Budget 2026 will be presented within a comprehensive policy framework already outlined in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) 2025 manifesto. This framework reflects extensive public consultation and President Irfaan Ali’s vision for national transformation.
In a recent interview with the National Communications Network (NCN), Dr. Singh emphasized that the approach to Budget 2026 originates from priorities that were identified well before the formal budget process commenced. These priorities stem from consultations with citizens across Guyana during the preparation of the party’s manifesto.
Dr. Singh praised President Ali’s recent national address, calling it both “exciting and inspiring.” He expressed confidence that the upcoming budget will translate the President’s vision into tangible programs and projects.
“The President’s vision focuses on economic transformation, modernizing social services, empowering citizens, expanding technology, and enhancing the digital agenda,” Dr. Singh said. He highlighted the goal of creating “a truly modern Guyana where people can live, work, earn, save, invest, and retire comfortably.”
Describing Budget 2026 as essential for operationalizing these goals, Dr. Singh noted that while the manifesto outlines broad policy direction, the budget details how these plans will be implemented via actionable initiatives.
“The budget goes into more detail, providing the foundation for actual projects and programs,” he explained. Work on Budget 2026 is reportedly well underway, with the government eager to present it to the National Assembly for implementation.
Dr. Singh reiterated the role of public input in shaping the manifesto that will guide the budget. Citizens were encouraged to submit suggestions through various channels, and many of these proposals were included in the final document.
“Our policy priorities as a government reflect the priorities and preferences of the people we serve,” he stated, adding that much of the groundwork for the budget was completed before the new term began through ongoing public engagement.
He recalled that the manifesto process was intentionally open to the public, allowing both stakeholders and ordinary citizens to influence the direction of government policy.
President Ali, in his latest address, assured Guyanese of continued rapid transformation driven by the government’s ambitious five-year manifesto, which includes plans for economic diversification, significant infrastructure expansion, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
