PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has expressed that the recently disclosed revised cash grant of $100,000, aimed at benefiting Guyanese citizens aged 18 and above, presents an opportunity for financial and economic advancement.
The Head of State made these remarks while addressing a sod-turning ceremony in Lethem, Region Nine, where he spoke on the possibility of pooling resources to invest in ideas that will bring significant benefits to communities.
Against this backdrop, the head of state said, “Every single opportunity in life can be used to create a big opportunity.”

With this he gave an example, if there is a village with 500 persons who will all receive the $100,000, that means for every 10 persons it amounts to $1 million, for every 100 persons, $10 million and further for 500 persons it will amount to $50 million.
As such, he posited that a community can make a decision to come together and invest in substantial projects.

He said, “If you take 50% of it as a collective and invest it, you can have tunnel houses to do 40,000 chickens, 50,000 chickens; you could move towards producing your own hatching eggs, eggs for a table, eggs right in your communities and villages, and creating long-term sustainable revenue stream for each person within the community.”

Dr. Ali went on to add that it was not as simple as just $100,000, but the sum further offers a collective opportunity for economic empowerment and financial upliftment.
Further, President Ali noted that he sometimes reads with amazement the narrow comments made by persons who consider themselves academically brilliant and notes their superficial way of examining policies without understanding the breadth of same and the possibilities these policies bring.
Just last week, the Head of State announced the revised cash grant initiative that will see Guyanese 18 and above receiving a one-off $100,000 cash grant.

At that time, Dr. Ali said while tens of thousands welcomed the previously announced measures, this move comes as the government acknowledged those persons who had expressed concerns about their fear of being left out.
This new measure re-examined the initiative intending to expand the benefit while removing challenges.

Further, it is set to reduce the administrative burden, simplify access, and ensure equitable distribution.
Dr. Ali at that time, said, “We believe that this is the best course of action as a responsible government, as a government that understands that we have a responsibility to ensure all feel included, a part of the system. It is important that we build a system that is robust in delivering this grant…”