UNDER the theme “A Secure, Prosperous, and Sustainable Guyana,” Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo delivered a passionate presentation on his support of what he termed the “historic budget” while underscoring the progressive strides outlined in the $1.382 trillion budget, which represents the largest in Guyana’s history.

During the parliamentary debates on Budget 2025 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Dr. Mahadeo commended the Ministry of Finance, led by Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, for delivering a comprehensive financial blueprint aimed at inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.
He noted, “The numbers in this budget are symbols of hope and opportunities for families, communities, and future generations.”

Dr. Mahadeo highlighted the government’s ambitious infrastructure projects as transformative. Key initiatives include the Corentyne River Bridge, which will strengthen regional trade ties with Suriname, and the Linden-to-Mabura Road, providing much-needed connectivity to hinterland communities. The budget also allocates substantial resources to upgrading rural roads, bridges, and drainage systems to mitigate flooding and enhance resilience.
He also praised the allocation of $143.2 billion to the health sector, noting the modernisation of healthcare infrastructure and services as a cornerstone of the government’s commitment. Region Six, his home region, will benefit from upgraded health centres, telemedicine services in riverine communities, and the construction of state-of-the-art hospitals such as the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital and No. 75 Regional Hospital.

He also emphasised the government’s revival of successful healthcare programmes, such as elderly care and home-based care, which were previously discontinued under the APNU+AFC administration. The programmes are now being reintroduced nationwide.
Further, Dr. Mahadeo outlined the government’s commitment to housing, with plans to distribute land titles for 10,000 house lots and allocate 25,000 new lots in 2025. Housing schemes will be equipped with modern infrastructure, ensuring vibrant, sustainable communities.
On education, the budget prioritises free education at the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus and massive investments in scholarships, smart classrooms, and technical training centres. Dr. Mahadeo noted that from 2020 to 2024, over 551 teachers were trained in Region Six, with significant improvements in educational infrastructure.

Additionally, Dr. Mahadeo stressed the importance of agriculture as the backbone of rural livelihoods. He commended investments in irrigation systems, flood resilience measures, and agro-processing facilities in Region Six, which will enable farmers to increase productivity and income. He also criticised the APNU+AFC administration’s neglect of the agriculture sector, which led to economic hardships for farmers and sugar workers.

As a Geographic MP for Region Six, Dr. Mahadeo expressed pride in the region’s progress under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. He highlighted transformative projects, including road upgrades, flood prevention initiatives, and healthcare advancements, all of which aim to unlock the region’s full potential.

Dr. Mahadeo concluded by reaffirming his support for Budget 2025, describing it as a blueprint for a brighter, more prosperous future for Guyana. “This budget builds on the foundation of inclusivity, equity, and sustainability, ensuring that every Guyanese has access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.”