SCORES of Region Two residents have lauded government’s 2023 National Budget which was presented by Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday.

Essequibians are particularly pleased with the measures that would directly benefit children, the elderly, those receiving public assistance and the employed section of the population.

According to Dr. Singh, the tax threshold will be increased from $75,000 to $85,000 per month; old age pension will move from $28,000 to $33,000 per month and public assistance will be increased from $14,000 to $16,000 per month.

Further, the “Because we care” grant, which is given to every child attending private and public schools, will now be $35, 000, an increase of $10, 000.

Having listened to the budget presentation, 59-year-old Yodha Persaud said that he is very thankful for the increase in the public assistance. The Jib Housing Scheme resident who has vision impairment, said that he has been receiving public assistance for over 15 years and has been depending on the money to meet most of his daily needs.

Meanwhile, Melisa Bucchoon, a single parent who resides Lake Mainstay, told this publication that the education grant is a great initiative. She said that the additional sum will allow her to do more for her children.

She expressed gratitude to government for giving the increase.

“President Irfaan Ali is maintaining his promises to Guyanese,” Bucchoon said.

Allan Montageue, a pensioner and resident of Lima Sands, said that he became excited when he learned that the old age pension will be increased.

He also showered praises on the PPP/C administration, stating that the president is ensuring that the elderly citizens are being looked after and can live a more comfortable life.

Another single parent, Feezana Ali of Adventure, said she welcomes the increase in the school children’s grant as it will allow her to better care for her children and give them all if not most of the things they need for school.

“I glad for the money. I will get more food for my children. Lessons [fee] everything raise and with the increase, it will really help me” Ali said.

Shanil Loaknauth, a father of three also commended the government for the efforts being made to give each child the best educational experience.

He said the increase in the grant will be a great help to parents.

Rosana Williams of Hampton Court said that she was particularly pleased that the budget contained things for the country’s Indigenous people.

Some $4.7 billion has been allocated to provide programmes and training opportunities for the residents of Amerindian communities across the country. Williams said that the Amerindians living in Region Two will certainly benefit from this allocation.