Parliament clears $18.8 billion from Contingency Fund for key projects, initiatives

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, secured parliamentary approval on Friday for Financial Paper Number 2 of 2025, authorising $18.8 billion in advances from the Contingencies Fund. The funds were used to support development projects and other government initiatives across the country during the latter part of 2025.
President Irfaan Ali said the government’s actions build on the mandate given by voters in the September 1, 2025, elections and form part of the broader vision outlined in Budget 2026, which he described as “bold, service-oriented and aimed at delivering tangible results to the Guyanese people.”
The financial paper allocated $10.5 billion to the Ministry of Public Works to support highway improvements on the East Coast of Demerara, drainage and road works, hinterland roads, sea and river defences, and maintenance of government buildings.
Under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, $5.4 billion was approved for Old Age Pensions and Public Assistance, while $1.4 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Education to support primary school dietary programmes.
The Ministry of Housing received $640 million for hinterland water supply projects and water service expansion, while $548.8 million was earmarked for health and education initiatives, as well as national events, local travel, and cleaning and extermination services in Regions One, Two, Five, Seven, Eight, and Nine.
Dr. Singh also piloted the 2026 National Budget through Parliament, presenting a $1.558 trillion plan, 12.7 percent higher than the 2025 budget, which he said is fully financed without new taxes.
Budget highlights coincided with the lead-up to Guyana’s 60th independence anniversary. Dr. Singh noted that in this milestone year, Guyana “can validly and proudly claim to be globally respected, politically mature and economically strong.”