GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Persons living with disabilities across Guyana will receive a one-off $50,000 cash grant before the end of December, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced Wednesday, describing the measure as part of his administration’s wider push to strengthen inclusion and social protection.
The announcement came during a special Christmas luncheon hosted in observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Ali said the payout—amounting to an estimated $41.4 billion—will benefit more than 27,000 vulnerable citizens nationwide.
“From the beginning, my government has been committed to ensuring that inclusion is not a slogan but a lived reality,” Ali told attendees. “We are building a society where persons with disabilities can fully participate in national life, pursue their goals, and contribute meaningfully to our country’s development.”
The new grant adds to a string of targeted support programmes introduced in recent years. Monthly public assistance was increased to $22,000, reaching more than 40,000 beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities. The government also provided $1.9 billion in social assistance grants, including a one-off $35,000 payout in 2024 for 25,000 registered persons with disabilities.
In 2022, a $100,000 one-off grant was introduced for children with permanent disabilities, complementing legislative reforms aimed at strengthening rights, access, and long-term support. Persons with permanent disabilities also qualify for lifelong public assistance, offering more stable financial security.
Ali said these measures reflect a deliberate policy shift to embed disability inclusion across education, employment, housing, and public services.
“Our mission is to continue building a unified, inclusive Guyana where no one is left behind,” he said.