Cash grant, tax-free zones, and expanded citizen services to be rolled out next year

President Dr Irfaan Ali

The government will deliver a $100,000 cash grant to every citizen aged 18 years and older in 2026, introduce tax-free development zones, and expand digital and social services, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Ali said funds for the cash transfer will be provided in the 2026 National Budget as part of a five-year economic and social programme aimed at improving living standards and widening participation in the economy.

“Other cash grants will be paid during the course of the next five years,” the president pledged.

Ali said direct assistance will also be provided to households to support home construction and upgrades, while parents of schoolchildren will receive additional support through a substantial increase in the Because We Care cash grant to $100,000 per annum.

The president announced the creation of special development zones where a tax-free incentive regime will apply, alongside a range of fiscal measures, including the removal of corporate tax on agriculture, agro-processing and veterinary services.

Other measures include a flat tax of $2 million on double-cab pickups with engines under 2,000 cubic centimetres and a flat tax of $3 million on vehicles between 2,000 cc and 2,500 cc.

Ali said the initiatives are designed to stimulate investment, expand entrepreneurship and create a more inclusive economy.

The president also outlined plans to modernise public service delivery through a unified digital platform that will improve citizens’ access to government services.

“We are introducing a citizen-centric portal – a gateway to modern government services that enables citizens to access all government services online. With just a click of a button, citizens will be able to apply for birth certificates, ID cards, passports, driver’s licences, business registration and other business permits and licences, file tax returns and pay their taxes, and access payments from government.”

The Citizens Connect portal will be integrated into a single e-government system by 2026, providing nationwide access to public services.

As part of broader efforts to improve inclusion, more than 600,000 Guyanese are now part of the formal banking system, reflecting the government’s push towards a digitally driven economy.

“We firmly believe that everyone should have equal access to participate fully in our economy, beginning with the fundamental ability to open a bank account. That is why we drastically simplified the requirements for opening bank accounts,” he told the audience.

Simplified banking procedures are already in place.

“These simplified procedures are already in operation. Today, more Guyanese than ever before are part of the formal banking system. In fact, the number of bank accounts has grown by more than 65,000 since 2020,” President Ali said.

Earlier this year, the president urged citizens to open bank accounts as the government moves to deliver social cash transfers through the banking system. Online banking is now available at four local commercial banks, expanding access, including in hinterland regions.

“This is progress in financial inclusion and empowerment that is measurable. Moving forward, to ensure that every Guyanese has access to the banking system, and access to opportunity that exists in Guyana, every effort will be made to encourage them to open their own bank account,” he affirmed.

Ali also announced plans to establish a junior stock exchange as part of reforms to modernise the financial system.

Additional initiatives over the next five years include the expansion of the Orange Economy, the launch of a national ambulance authority, diversification into sports and medical tourism, reforms to technical skills training, improved access to justice, tax-free zones, the abolition of net property tax on individuals, and continuous increases to the income tax threshold.

The president also reported that more than 123,000 new businesses were registered between 2021 and November 2025, highlighting what he described as growing confidence in Guyana’s economic outlook.