Newborn grant brings joy, mothers call it ‘timely’

The journey to motherhood is not an easy one. It is often filled with trials, discomfort, additional responsibilities, and expenses.

Many families struggle to cover their daily expenses, and the arrival of a newborn adds to those costs.

However, it is only natural for couples to want to start a family at some point.

Recognising this need for support, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday launched the government’s $100,000 cash grant initiative for newborn babies at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The grant is intended to help parents afford basic necessities for their child.

Over 500 mothers and their babies benefited from the initiative on Saturday, with many others still to receive their grants.

Ignite News spoke with several recipients, all of whom expressed their joy and gratitude.

Aranza Krishna, a mother of four, left her Georgetown home early Saturday morning to join the scores of families at the ACCC for the historic event.

She told this publication that she deeply appreciates the grant, as it will provide much-needed assistance to her family.

“I am very thankful for the $100,000 newborn grant. It is a great initiative to help me and other new mums get back on our feet,” Krishna said.

She noted that raising a newborn is not easy, especially from a financial standpoint. In this regard, she emphasised that the grant will give parents of newborns a “very good start.”

“It will help me buy whatever necessities my newborn needs, such as formula, nappies, and even medication she might require along the way,” she added.

Another grateful mother, Sheena Collins, shared her emotional journey to motherhood.

Collins, who gave the vote of thanks at the grant launch, revealed that she and her partner have been married for 18 years. After struggling with fertility issues for many years, they had given up hope of becoming parents.

However, fate had other plans. After nearly 16 years of marriage, Collins gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last year.

Their happiness only grew from there. During a postnatal medical check-up, she discovered she was pregnant again. In January 2025, she gave birth to another baby girl, surviving two back-to-back Caesarean sections.

Her story deeply moved everyone in attendance.

After sharing what she described as her “miracle journey,” Collins expressed her gratitude to the government for the cash grant initiative. She highlighted how it will provide much-needed support to mothers facing financial burdens during pregnancy and after delivery.

She further praised the government’s efforts to improve citizens’ lives, particularly by supporting their well-being and development. She also expressed hope that similar programmes will continue in the future.

Ignite News also spoke with Arrianna Beharry Gomes, who said the grant could not have come at a better time.

She explained that her family is currently facing financial difficulties, particularly because her delivery was premature.

“Although my baby was born before the expected date, he is very healthy and home with me. However, this did put my family in a financial setback,” Gomes said.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the government, noting that the grant will help her get back on track.

The newborn cash grant initiative was launched under the theme “Celebrating Women, Supporting New Beginnings.”

It is available for all babies born from 1 January 2025 onwards. Those who did not receive their grant on Saturday will do so soon.

Sheena Collins