Edghill says Public Works gets 27% of capital budget as he defends “people-oriented” Budget 2026
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has hailed Budget 2026 as a “very detailed, well-informed, grounded, people-oriented budget,” while revealing that his ministry will receive the largest share of capital allocations under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
Speaking during a live broadcast following the budget presentation, Edghill congratulated the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet for crafting what he described as a budget that reflects intent rather than slogans.
“I want to begin this live by congratulating my colleague, the Honourable Dr. Ashni Singh and the team at the Ministry of Finance, His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali and all my Cabinet colleagues for the teamwork that will be put in over several months to be able to craft what I would want to call a very detailed, well-informed, grounded, people-oriented budget.”
He said the $1.558 trillion budget, themed “Putting People First,” must be judged by its substance. “It’s not just the theme, or the title, or the slogan, it’s the intent.”
Edghill disclosed that out of the $779 billion allocated for capital works, his ministry will manage $212 billion.
“So out of the $779 billion that has been assigned for capital works, or what is best called the PSIP, the Ministry of Public Works has been appropriated $212 billion, which represents 27%.”
He described the allocation as a major responsibility.
“This is a very generous sum, and it requires careful management and careful implementation to ensure that the modernisation and the transformation of Guyana continues.”
The minister urged citizens to look beyond figures and focus on what the allocations mean for daily life.
“Budget 2026 must be viewed beyond just the mere numbers, but what those numbers imply.”
He highlighted measures aimed at reducing the cost of transportation and vehicle ownership, including the removal of VAT on certain engines and vehicles.
“The removal of VAT on engines up to 150 horsepower… These are things that are really putting money back in the hands of people and allowing them to own.”
Edghill explained that boat operators had long complained about high engine costs.
“The men who operate the speedboats told me over and over… that they had to buy reconditioned engines because of the costs, the exorbitant costs of the new engines.”
He said the VAT removal now allows them to purchase new engines instead.
“Rather than buying a refurbished engine, that same money can buy a brand new engine once it’s 150cc or less.”
He added that measures for double cab pickups and newer vehicles would benefit businesses and individuals alike.
“The measures as it has to do with double cab pickups benefit everybody, everybody, small business or big business.”
Edghill also pointed to fuel price stability.
“Budget 2026 provides as well for the cost of gasoline and diesel to remain stable, even in an environment of fluctuating price for oil.”
He said the government will continue using pre-COVID freight costs when calculating duties.
“We’re still keeping that freight cost of pre-COVID levels, meaning that the businessman, the importer, will pay cheaper in terms of duties.”
As a result, he argued, prices will not rise.
“So, the goods in the supermarket or on the shelves of the hardware… the prices will not be rising, but the prices will remain where they are.”
He said an additional $9 billion has been allocated for cost of living measures.
“Cost of living measures, an additional $9 billion have been put into the budget to work out measures to cushion, just like we’ve been doing over the past several years.”
Edghill rejected criticism from the opposition and urged citizens to examine the facts.
“Don’t believe propaganda. Deal with the facts. Find out for yourself. Ask the hard questions. Engage.”
