Pushing back against criticism from the Opposition as the National Budget Debate commenced today, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, said the $1.558 Trillion Budget will bring real benefits to the Guyanese people through its many policies and programmes.

Minister Edghill said the Budget intentionally directs resources to the working class – from farmers and small business owners to public servants.

“Budget 2026, Honorable Member, increases access to world class healthcare facilities. Budget 2026 improves access to education from nursery to university. It enhances social services, and invests in physical and digital infrastructure that links rural and coastal communities,” he told the House.

Describing the Budget as well crafted, people and service oriented and pro-poor, Minister Edghill told the House that it will continue to fuel the country’s transformation to the benefit of all regardless of race or social status.

“Education, $183 Billion, putting people first; health, $161 Billion, putting people first; water, $21.6 Billion, putting people first; sanitation and waste management, $7.9 Billion putting people first; children, women and the elderly, $78.3 Billion, putting people first; Amerindian development, $7.5 Billion, putting people first; agriculture and food security, $113.2 Billion, putting people first; transformational infrastructure, $ 119.4 Billion putting people first,” the Public Works Minister detailed.

He said the Budget also includes funding for pensioners, school aged children, those on public assistance, and public servants, and persons in the creative sector.

The Ministry of Public Works has been allocated $227 Billion with a capital expenditure of $212 Billion – approximately 27% of the total capital budget.

He said while there are complaints that the budget is heavy on infrastructure, it is important to connect the dots.

“Ask all of the people of Region Three, who travel to Georgetown to work on a daily basis, how US$260 Million on the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has transformed their lives. Ask the people of Diamond and those who will go further up, how the new Heroes Highway has transformed their lives and how they can get to work and back home, and get their children to school early. Ask the people who use the Ogle – Eccles interlink, that is now moving unto Providence with a direct link to the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, how investment in infrastructure is making a difference in their lives,” Minister Edghill reasoned.

He assured that there are benefits in infrastructure development.

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