As APNU prepares for cash grant protest, President says the payout is “alive and well”

Last Updated on Saturday, 6 December 2025, 15:01 by Writer

As the parliamentary opposition intensifies its demand that President Irfaan Ali keep his election campaign promise that a cash grant would be paid before Christmas 2025, the Guyanese leader on Friday sought to reassure the nation that his administration would stick by its commitment.

“My fellow Guyanese, hope is alive tonight. The cash grant is alive and well,” he told the opening of the One Guyana Christmas Village and Supermarket 2025.

Earlier in his remarks to hundreds of attendees, though he did not say when the payout would be made, the President said, “I want grandpa and his grand-daughter to know that you can enjoy bubbling the pot because everything we promise shall come to pass. We never deviate from our journey,” he said.

The President’s comments came hours after the People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) urged the government to disburse at least GY$150,000 to every Guyanese 18 years and older as an investment in their wellbeing and future.

APNU parliamentary leader, Dr Terrence Campbell said his party would from next Monday hold protests to “force” the government to pay a GY$150,000 cash grant to the more than 600,000 Guyanese before the Christmas holidays. The Christmas Season spans from December to January.

He told a news conference that Guyana could afford to pay GY$90.6 billion to the more than 600,000 persons who are eligible for cash grants.

He said that would amount to a “manageable percentage” of total projected government revenues, “proving the feasibility of this proposal.”

“The cash grant is essential for those struggling with basic needs. It will provide immediate support and enhance their quality of life,” he said.

On the business side, Dr Campbell said a cash grant payout would boost local economies as beneficiaries would likely spend the money on essential goods and services.

The Center for Global Development, with offices in Washington DC and London, states in a publication titled “Ten Findings about Poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean” that 32 percent of Guyana’s population lives in extreme poverty and 26 percent in moderate poverty.

Over the past few weeks, the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) has been pummeling President Ali on social media for so far not making good on his pre-election promise that Guyanese would have a good Christmas.

“I heard PM (Prime Minister) told them next year is the next grant. If you behave yourself you get it this year,” he said at an election campaign meeting on August 26, 2025 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Then, he emphasised that the population could expect a bright and happy Christmas, but gave no further clues about when exactly the money would be paid and how much.

“We will have a beautiful Christmas. Look at the smile on my face and know that you will have enjoyable holiday,” he said.