Awash in oil money, Guyana promises cash, free tuition and other perks ahead of election
The president of Guyana has announced several perks ahead of next year’s general elections, including free college tuition and a one-time cash payment of nearly $1,000 for every household in the oil-rich South American country
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — Guyanese President Irfaan Ali announced several perks ahead of national elections next year, including free college tuition and a one-time cash payment of nearly $1,000 for every household in the oil-rich South American country.
Ali also promised to cut power bills by half and to increase the monthly minimum wage from $350 to $500 starting next year as he addressed Parliament during a special session late Thursday, noting that the recently wealthy nation of nearly 800,000 people can afford to help residents via public aid programs.
During a press conference after the session, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said Guyana’s budget can easily absorb the one-time cash grant to the country’s estimated 264,000 households.
“We have a $22-billion-dollar economy now,” he said.
