His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali said that his Government’s new initiative to give Guyanese mothers a $100,000 cash grant for every child born in 2025 is an investment in their future to realise their full potential.
The Head of State spoke at the launch of the newborn cash grant initiative at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where more than 500 mothers were presented with their cheques.
“We stand here to launch an initiative that speaks to the very soul of who we are—a society that refuses to let potential go untapped, dreams go unfulfilled, or children go unsupported. Every child born in Guyana is not just a citizen; they are a vital thread in the fabric of our nation’s story.”
The President emphasised that Guyana’s children are not just the country’s future but its heartbeat.
“Every newborn represents a promise, a blank page waiting to be written. But a child’s potential cannot flourish without nourishment. This cash grant is more than financial support. It is a seed planted in the soil of our nation’s future.”
The President underscored that the grant must not be seen as a cost on the country’s treasury but as a “deposit into our children’s future” and their ability to contribute meaningfully to our society.
“We are planting seeds for a future where every child has the tools to grow, succeed, and lead. This is not a burden on today’s taxpayers. It is a commitment to tomorrow’s leaders and nation builders.”
To ensure that mothers receive the grant in a timely manner, President Ali said his Government is putting systems in place that would see them receive their cheques before they leave the hospital.
“We have set up a mechanism so that within one week of birth, every single mother will receive that cheque, and they will receive that cheque before they leave the hospital.”
The President also reinforced that the grant is not a privilege but a “right” for every baby born, “regardless of their parents’ income, background, or circumstances; equality begins at birth, and this initiative ensures that every child, without exception, receives the support we’re offering.”
President Ali also presented some statistics regarding the number of newborn babies for the year, noting that, so far, 2,052 babies have been born between January and February of this year.
“Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most profound joys a parent can experience. It is a moment filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities. Yet, as experience teaches us, the joy often comes with the weight of new responsibilities and expenses, from diapers and formula to healthcare and childcare.”
The President also announced that First Lady Mrs Arya Ali will be providing the mothers who attended the event with newborn hampers.
“As your Government, this is our way of saying your joy matters; your child matters. And we are here to walk this journey with you—not only at the birth of your new child, but throughout the life of this child.”
Honouring women on International Women’s Day
To commemorate International Women’s Day, which is being celebrated today across the world, the Head of State also spoke extensively on women and their contributions to Guyana’s development. He also highlighted his Government’s commitment to empowering them.
The Head of State said that over the past four years, the Government has invested over $156bn in initiatives aimed at uplifting women, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He pointed out that 60% of hinterland scholarships awarded under the GOAL Scholarship Programme were to women, and out of 14,000 University of Guyana graduates in the last four years, nearly 10,000 are women; and more than 4,000 out of 4,600 newly graduated teachers are women. These stats, the President said, underscore women’s critical role in shaping Guyana’s future.
“The women in our society are the bedrock of our society. The women in our society are the foundation on which this nation will stand and grow.”
The Head of State also emphasised the need to honour, protect, and celebrate women as the foundation of the nation.
“We must protect them. We must support them. We must show them compassion. We must embrace them. We must encircle them with love. We must lift them up. We must celebrate them. We must honour them.”
In addition to receiving the newborn baby cash grant, other Government services, including provisions for them to receive their birth certificates at the site, were also prepared.
The new-born cash grant and the current 18-and-over one-off cash grant distributions are among a number of initiatives unveiled by the Government to enhance the lives of Guyanese.
This year, the Government has introduced measures to adjust taxes for working parents with children, as well as for individuals working a second job. Additionally, the income tax threshold, old age pension, and public assistance have been increased.
The Government has allocated $9bn for targeted interventions to alleviate cost-of-living pressures in 2025, this will be based on consultations with the population.
Furthermore, the Government has agreed to make the University of Guyana tuition-free while continuing to offer scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme. These scholarships enable Guyanese to pursue certificates, diplomas, and degrees—ranging from Bachelor’s to Master’s and PhDs—at reputable universities worldwide.
Other measures targeting health, agriculture, housing, and various other sectors are also in place to improve the lives and livelihoods of Guyanese.
