‘Every single stratum in society has something coming out of this budget’ – Min. Mustapha
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has said that the 2025 National Budget, has “something” for every level or class of Guyanese.
Speaking on the heels of the $1.382 trillion budget, Minister Mustapha expressed his satisfaction with the allocations and highlighted the government’s commitment to delivering on promises while introducing new initiatives to modernise the country further.
“I am very pleased and satisfied with this budget,” Minister Mustapha stated, adding, “When you look at the allocation and disposable income, every single stratum in society has something coming out of this budget for them.”
He added that Guyanese have seen more disposable income made available to them. He pointed to several measures that directly benefit vulnerable groups, including the new $100,000 cash grant for newborns, which he described as a major support mechanism for young families.
“A lot of young people now who are getting married will have a start in life,” he added.The Agriculture Minister also spoke of the doubling of the Old Age Pension (OAP), the $50,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant.
“What we have done over the last five years is deliver on all our manifesto promises,” the Minister noted, adding that the budget introduces new programmes to reach even more segments of society.
“This is a record-breaking achievement. For the first time in history, I know for a fact that a government has delivered all its commitments and promises made to the populace during elections,” he said.
Highlighting the budget’s transformative nature, Minister Mustapha said it would further modernise Guyana and improve the lives of its citizens. In the agriculture sector, which he oversees, he expressed pride in the allocation of $104.6 billion—a dramatic increase from the $13.5 billion allocated in 2020.
“This shows that Guyana is moving rapidly,” he stated. “We have seen that the country’s GDP grew by 43% last year, with 13% coming from the non-oil sector. Out of that, agriculture contributed 11%, demonstrating that the sector is now reclaiming its rightful place.” Minister Mustapha reiterated his optimism for the budget’s impact on every Guyanese.
