National unemployment rate was cut in half during President Irfaan Ali’s first term, falling from 12.8 per cent in 2020 to 6.8 per cent in 2024, Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said, crediting broad-based economic growth for more than 104,000 new jobs created over the period.
Singh, delivering remarks at the Ethnic Relations Commission’s National Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, said the jobs had gone to Guyanese “of every single background” and in every region of the country.
Youth unemployment also fell sharply, from 30.2 per cent in 2020 to 12.1 per cent in 2024, he said, adding that more than 80,000 people had been trained through various government programmes.
Singh also pointed out that the Government’s social programmes, including the National Cash Grant and “Because We Care” initiatives, are designed to be universally applicable rather than means-tested, noting that students across Guyana currently receive a cash grant of $85,000 regardless of location or family circumstances.
He further noted that the “One Guyana” theme was intended to ensure every citizen could participate in and benefit from the country’s economic transformation, pointing to a new Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank aimed at supporting small businesses nationwide.
“Our diversity continues to be one of our greatest sources of strength,” Singh said, calling on political leaders to reduce suspicion and promote cohesiveness.
Since 2020, the Government has expanded access to education through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning and free university tuition, distributed 53,000 houselots surpassing its first-term target, and committed to expanding financial inclusion and healthcare access in its second term.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana Jean Njeri Kamau also delivered remarks at the symposium, alongside contributions from ERC members and the Parliamentary Opposition.
