
On the eve of the National Budget presentation, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is demanding that the income tax threshold, the minimum wage and the old age pension be increased significantly.
Executive Member of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and Opposition Member of Parliament, Juretha Fernandes made the party’s position known during a press conference today.
“We expect from Budget 2025 a significant increase in the income tax threshold, increase in the minimum wage, and again, I would note that it was when the PPP was in opposition that they promised and they pledged that they would significantly increase minimum wage, and we are yet to see those numbers, particularly to match with the rising cost of living,” MP Fernandes said.
In 2024, the income tax threshold was increased to $100,000 while the old age pension was increased to $36,000.
MP Fernandes expressed disappointment that the $1.1 Trillion Budget in 2024 only resulted in a 10% salary increase for public servants, and this year’s Budget will only cater for an 8% salary increase for the public servants.
The AFC is also pushing for a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 14%. Additionally, the party wants the cost for house lots to be reduced.

“The Alliance For Change believe that the Government of the day has done absolutely nothing adequate when it comes to making sure that the less fortunate of Guyana are actually included in the developmental plans for the country. We continue to see the haves and the have not, and the disparity being larger. We call on the Government of the day to look at measures and make sure that all Guyanese benefit equitably from the distribution of the oil resources,” the AFC Executive said.
MP Fernandes said there should also be an increase in the budgetary allocations for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to cater for a more superior electoral system that includes enhanced biometrics.
She said following last year’s budget, the year ended with scores of incomplete projects, and that cannot be allowed to continue.
“As we await the presentation of Budget 2025, we are also awaiting the completion of many projects from Budget 2024 and before. The infamous pump stations are yet to be completed, the new Demerara Habour Bridge completion date is being push back often, some projects are now merely seeing the sod being turned while others seem to have pressed the pause button,” she pointed out.
The National Budget will be presented to the National Assembly at 2pm on Friday by the Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.
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