Guyana Parliament approves $1.8B additional funds for key ministries

Georgetown, Guyana: The National Assembly of Guyana approved $1.8 billion additional funds for the government ministries on Tuesday. This will boost the channelled through the Contingency Fund.

Notably, these funds drive the economic transformation of Guyana to gain momentum as it aims to strengthen operations across various sectors and improve the lives of citizens.

It is to be noted that this approval was sanctioned at the 70^th Sitting of the National Assembly which reflects the government’s commitment to strategic involvement across all the sectors.

However, these funds meet immediate needs arising from October 1, 2023 to December 8, 2023 which would ensure continued progress towards a prosperous economy.

Beneficiaries include key ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Home Affairs and Education. A significant amount of $643 million has been given to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to meet its operational needs.

Additionally, increased security expenditure has been covered for several administrative areas.

The Supplementary Appropriation Bill valuing $25.9 billion which included Financial Papers No. 4 and 5.

For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, an amount of $383.4 million was approved for foreign policy development under the subsidies and contributions to international organisations.

Notably, the voting provision for the ministry is $857.5 million.

Under the education sector, an amount of $20 million was approved by the committee for national and other programmes.

Providing a detailed breakdown of the amounts approved, Education Minister Priya Manickchand informed that 420 million was spent on hosting the region’s governance meeting and awards ceremony in Guyana.

Funds were also spent for the provision of additional furniture and equipment for schools such as Zeelugat and Arthurville Primary Schools.

It is to be noted that a total of $24 million was approved for the Ministry of Home Affairs. The details of the fund were read by Dr Ashni Singh, serving as Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance.