Newborn cash grant: A lifeline for mothers and commitment to the future

BETTER days are here for mothers of newborns in Guyana as the government officially rolls out its $100,000 newborn cash grant, a landmark initiative aimed at securing the well-being of the nation’s youngest citizens. Over the weekend, more than 500 mothers received the grant during the official launch, marking a significant step in Guyana’s social welfare agenda.
This initiative, announced earlier this year during the 2025 National Budget, is designed to provide every baby born in Guyana to a Guyanese mother with financial support from birth. With an estimated cost of $1.3 billion per year, the programme is set to benefit more than 17,000 newborns annually.

HISTORIC INVESTMENT
During the launch, President Dr. Irfaan Ali underscored the significance of the initiative, calling it a historic moment for Guyana.
“Children are not just our future, but our present. Every newborn represents a promise, a blank page waiting to be written,” the Head of State remarked.
Emphasising the importance of nurturing the next generation, President Ali declared that the birth of a child is a national heritage, a new national asset that must be protected and supported. He stressed that the grant is not a financial burden on taxpayers, but rather a strategic investment in the nation’s future leaders.
“This cash grant is not just financial assistance—it is a long-term investment in the future of Guyana,” the President affirmed.
Additionally, he assured parents that the grant is not a privilege but a right, reinforcing that every child, regardless of their parents’ background or circumstances, will receive this financial support from birth.

MOTHERS WELCOME SUPPORT
For many mothers, the newborn grant comes as a much-needed relief, providing them with an opportunity to secure essential items for their babies.
Alessandara Pauline, a 21-year-old unemployed mother, expressed her gratitude for the assistance, stating that it came at the perfect time to help her provide for her one-month-old son. She shared that she intends to use the grant to purchase vital baby supplies.
Similarly, 19-year-old Akeina Fecker described the initiative as a blessing, noting that the additional income will help her support her newborn. “It’s a good thing. Like, it come in good to help out,” she said, adding that she was happy to have the financial boost.
Akela Joseph, a 19-year-old teacher and mother to a two-week-old baby, also expressed appreciation, explaining that the grant will allow her to stock up on essentials like diapers without dipping into her personal funds.
“I’m sure a lot of mothers already spent money on things like pampers, so getting this money to stock up again is a big help,” she noted.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old Abiola Hossanah, a City Police Officer, shared that she plans to open a trust fund for her seven-week-old son, ensuring long-term financial security for him. The remainder of the money, she said, will go toward purchasing baby necessities.
As Guyana anticipates more than 17,000 births in 2025, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every newborn receives this support. The cash grant is part of a broader vision to create better opportunities for families, reinforcing the government’s dedication to social welfare and national development.
With this initiative now in motion, mothers across Guyana can breathe a little easier, knowing that their babies are starting life with a financial cushion—one that reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to its future generations

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