New Minister/MP Keoma Griffith eager for Budget 2026 debate, call for maturity by Opposition
Poised to make his first contribution in the National Assembly as Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith says he is looking ahead to the Budget 2026 debates with optimism, while urging the opposition to engage the process in a balanced and responsible manner.
Debate on Guyana’s $1.558 trillion national budget is set to begin next week, following Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh’s presentation last Monday, which Griffith described as both demanding and energising. “It was exciting. It felt like a marathon presentation by Dr Singh, who is always outstanding,” Griffith said, noting that the budget’s theme of “Putting People First” stood out most to him.
As discussions in the House draw closer, Griffith acknowledged that criticism from the opposition APNU is expected, but said he hopes the engagement goes beyond politics and focuses on what the budget delivers for citizens. “I’m hoping the opposition approaches the process with maturity,” he said. “They will come with a narrative, but I hope they also look at the good this budget offers the people of Guyana so we can have a reasonable and balanced debate.”
To this end, the minister confirmed that he is eager to take the floor for the first time as a parliamentarian during what is expected to be a closely watched budget season. He said the 2026 budget represents the first concrete step in fulfilling commitments made by the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic during the 2025 election campaign. “This presentation really is the first instalment of many of the commitments we made to the people of Guyana,” the minster said.
According to the new minister, the budget reflects a strong people-centred focus across all sectors, with policies and initiatives aimed at improving daily life for ordinary Guyanese.
“That’s why I’m excited, not just for what the budget offers, but to be part of this process,” he added.
Meanwhile, regarding his ministry’s priorities, Griffith said the 2026 allocations will support stronger labour justice and enforcement nationwide, with a focus on ensuring decent work for workers across all industries. “We are intent on ensuring decent work for all Guyanese, miners, construction workers, everyone,” he said. “Any employer or employee who feels their rights are being violated should know that these services will be available to them across the country.”
Meanwhile, the minister highlighted what he described as one of the most significant investments in human capital, with more than $2.5 billion allocated for technical and vocational education and training. Over the past five years, Griffith noted, labour force survey data showed that more than 100,000 job vacancies were filled, while over 16,000 people received technical and vocational training, many of whom have since gone on to become entrepreneurs. “That’s not just 16,000 individuals. That’s 16,000 households, families and communities seeing an uplift in their lives,” he said.
Looking at the wider budget measures, Griffith pointed out that workers across the country are expected to benefit from more than 35 tax relief and cost-of-living initiatives announced by the finance minister.
“These measures are about ensuring more money remains in the pockets of people,” he explained, pointing to reduced and removed taxes, reforms to vehicle ownership costs, and new grants aimed at children and families. “A vehicle is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity, and this budget recognises that reality.”
