GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—Guyana says it will provide an estimated GUY$123 million (One Guyana dollar = US$0.004 cents) to support Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries as part of its humanitarian efforts in the Caribbean region and further afield.
The funding is part of the GUY$ 84 billion in supplementary funding to expand the work programs under several ministries and agencies approved in the National Assembly here during the early hours on Thursday.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd emphasized the government’s support for regional stability, especially given Haiti’s ongoing political and socio-economic situation.
According to a UN report, more than 2,500 people were killed or wounded across Haiti between January and March of this year. This violence has sent citizens to different parts of the country, further compounding the challenges a shortage of food, water, and other essential items faces.
“President (Irfaan) Ali, who is also CARICOM’s lead on humanitarian efforts, we have undertaken as a go, adding that the government has also taken note of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated several Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean.
“You would recall, Mr Speaker, that in June or July, they had Hurricane Beryl, which had a devastating effect on the OECS countries…Guyana stepped up as usual, and apart from sending support in terms of rebuilding efforts, we also gave contributions in kind to OECS countries. That accounts for the sums you’re seeing there,” he said.
Earlier this month, regional leaders met here to discuss crime and gang violence in the region.
Between 2019 and 2024, regional security budgets increased by 154 percent, redirecting substantial resources away from critical sectors like healthcare and public services, ultimately depriving citizens of essential services.
In July, the first shipment of relief aid was handed over to Grenada. The initial consignment comprised vital items such as generators, water purification tablets, batteries, hygiene products, and other necessities critical for immediate relief and recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, legislators approved the supplemental budget tabled by Dr Ashni Singh, the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service.
The budget contained advances from the Contingency Fund amounting to over GUY$456.8 million from November 7 to November 22 this year.
The bill includes more than GUY$56 billion to the Office of the Prime Minister, of which GUY$30.5 billion was approved for the cash grant distribution to every citizen above 18 years of age.
For the gas-to-energy project, GUY$25.3 billion will facilitate accelerated implementation. The project is expected to reduce electricity costs by 50 percent countrywide, increase the competitiveness of other industries, and reduce Guyana’s reliance on heavy fossil fuels.
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