Budget 2025 Designed to Serve Guyanese “from the Cradle to the Grave” – Min Rodrigues

January 24 2024– Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, delivered a robust defense of the 2025 National Budget during debates held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center today.

Addressing criticisms from Opposition MP Juretha Fernandes, who claimed young people cannot find jobs, Minister Rodrigues countered by highlighting the number of young parliamentarians on the government benches as evidence of opportunities being created.

She emphasized that the government is actively generating jobs and fostering opportunities for all Guyanese. This budget is designed to “take care of people from the cradle to the grave,” she said, pointing to visible increases in pensions and salaries as proof of the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens.

Minister Rodrigues also criticized the opposition for their promises of benefits and cash grants, labeling them as a “bluff” and recalling how such measures were removed during the opposition’s time in government. She argued that the government’s policies, including salary increases, empower citizens by enabling greater access to credit for investment and personal growth.

Economic Stability and National Development

The minister highlighted Guyana’s economic achievements, noting that the public debt-to-GDP ratio has decreased significantly from 47.4% in 2020 to 24.3% in 2024, the second-lowest in the Western Hemisphere. She attributed this improvement to the government’s prudent financial management.

Minister Rodrigues pointed to the transformative investments outlined in the budget, which prioritize schools, hospitals, roads, and other essential infrastructure across all regions of Guyana. She stressed that these initiatives add tangible value to citizens’ lives.

Housing Sector Growth and Wealth Creation

Addressing the housing sector, Minister Rodrigues detailed the government’s strategy to empower Guyanese through homeownership. She noted that land titles and transports are being distributed, allowing individuals to secure loans to build homes and accumulate assets that can be passed on to future generations.

This is how wealth is being created among ordinary Guyanese, she said, adding that these opportunities will help lift citizens out of poverty. Former sugarcane fields are being repurposed for housing developments, with continued investments in infrastructure and subsidies for steel and cement to help citizens build homes.

The government aims to allocate 30,000 house lots during their new term, ensuring that applications from all regions are addressed.

Water Sector Reforms

Turning to the water sector, Minister Rodrigues criticized the opposition for leaving Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) on the brink of bankruptcy during their tenure.

This government has revitalized the water sector, ensuring continuous improvements on a daily basis, noting that the budget prioritizes repairing and improving the water sector’s infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and enhanced access to clean water for citizens.

Minister Rodrigues concluded by affirming that the 2025 budget reflects the government’s commitment to equitable development and long-term growth for all Guyanese, underscoring that every region is included in the administration’s vision for a brighter future.