President launches cash grant for newborns, hails initiative as investment in future

President Dr Irfaan Ali has launched the government’s $100,000 cash grant for newborns, hailing the initiative as an investment in the future.

“This is a deposit into the children’s future… it is not a burden on taxpayers but an investment in a brighter, more prosperous Guyana,” he told a well-attended gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The $100,000 cash grant for newborns is part of the government’s broader support initiatives, introduced under the theme “Celebrating Women, Supporting New Beginnings.”

More than 500 mothers received their cash grants at the launch, along with 11 packs of nappies and baby wipes.

The Ministries of Health and Finance are working to ensure that all cheques are distributed to mothers within the first week of delivery.

Mothers will receive their cheques before being discharged from the hospital.

According to Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, the government anticipates the birth of approximately 17,000 babies in 2025, an increase of 2,000 from the 14,742 births recorded in 2024.

Human Services and Social Protection Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who also spoke at the event, reiterated the government’s continued efforts to support women through various initiatives.

She described the newborn cash grant as another significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of all citizens.

During his presentation, President Dr Irfaan Ali also praised the contributions and leadership of women in society.

“You are that guiding light, you are that foundation of our nation, you are that solid rock on which our nation stands today, women,” he told a packed ACCC gathering.

He continued, “I want to share some statistics today that will show you, men, that the women in this country are bearing the weight of responsibility and holding the foundation of the rock on which this beautiful country is built.”

The President emphasised that this progress is not accidental but the result of the government’s investments, policies, and opportunities aimed at supporting and uplifting women.

Over the past four years, the government has invested $156 billion in initiatives that directly and indirectly benefit women. These include $40 billion allocated to the “Because We Care” Grant, $10 billion for the Textbook Initiative, $15.5 billion for the National School Feeding Programme, $4.7 billion for the National School Grant Initiative, and $134 million for special education needs, with four additional special schools under construction.

He also highlighted that nearly 60 per cent of hinterland scholarships are awarded to women.

Additionally, within the last four years, the government has invested $32 billion in the University of Guyana (UG), where nearly 10,000 of the 14,000 graduates were women.

The President noted that this trend continues in the education sector, with over 4,000 of the 4,600 teachers who graduated in the last four years being women.

Underscoring the vital role women play in shaping the future, he stressed the need for continuous support and protection.

“They are carrying the burden of our future on their shoulders, making sacrifices, and investing in the future of our country by delivering and creating within themselves vessels and assets of our nation. Let us not take the work of our women for granted. Without them, we will be futureless,” he stated.

President Ali also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free daycare services for working women after 2025.