Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, began her Budget Debate contribution on Tuesday evening by addressing the corruption claims that have been leveled against her.

Stating that she can withstand scrutiny, Rodrigues denied the accusations of corruption that have been made against her related to her purchase of properties in the US and Guyana and her links to land purchases and construction in Guyana.

The Tourism Minister told the House that she remains proud of her success, and is open to scrutiny as she responded to APNU Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan, who had earlier thrown jabs at her in relation to the allegation.  

“I can withstand scrutiny. I can speak openly to the public. Do not mix my success with government, Honorable Sherod Duncan. If you are not making progress in your own life, that’s your problem. Your disparaging remarks or any disparaging remarks will never penetrate me. I know who I am, and I can withstand scrutiny, and I can look all of you in the key and defend my record,” Minister Rodrigues said.

The Tourism Minister said “idle gossip and relentless commentary on Facebook” do not lead to positive change.

She submitted to the National Assembly that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, Guyana continues to experience phenomenal growth, and that growth is evident in the areas of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. It was noted that the Tourism Industry has exceeded expectations and is now firmly established as a key pillar to Guyana’s national development agenda.

Measures listed in the budget will propel the sector even further, the Tourism Minister said.

“The removal of duties on ATVs and outboard engines up to 150 hp and the introduction of flat rate taxes for double cap pick-up vehicles, these three measures alone make essential tourism transport more affordable and reduces operating costs for tour operators, eco-lodges and communities. Reduced operating costs result in the reduced cost for tourism experiences, especially our domestic tourists,” Minister Rodrigues said.

She argued that the “massive” expansion and rehabilitation of hinterland and coastal airstrips, the construction of a new arrival terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, major allocations for roads and bridges including the Linden to Lethem Corridor, the Kurupukari Bridge and the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek Highway will also translate to reduced costs for tourism operators, and ultimately tourists.

Minister Rodrigues said she has had discussions with hoteliers and lodges, and it was agreed that a special rate would be introduced for Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora. This will also be complemented by a reduction in domestic air travel by up to 9 percent, as proposed by President Irfaan Ali. 

“Successes in the Tourism Sector are many, and include record breaking visitors’ arrival in 2025, 453,489 visitors reflecting Guyana’s strongest tourism performance to date – a 22% increase compared to 2024. Twelve new airlines have been added to the Guyana route since 2020; six new major hotel brands were added in 2025, adding 738 rooms to the country’s official room stock. Guyana is on track to add over 1,000 additional rooms in 2026 increasing total room stock to over 5600 by the end of 2026 up from 3,280 in 2020, 18 newly registered Airbnb establishments in 2025 adding nearly 70 rooms and bringing the total to a 115 establishments and 544 rooms,” the Tourism Minister reported.

Minister Rodrigues said advancements of new tourism products, including eco-lodges, river and hinterland experiences, heritage and cultural tourism will only boost the sector.

She said the $1.558 Trillion Budget will serve as a vehicle that will not only foster growth in the Tourism Industry but all other sectors, more so the non-oil economy, as the Government makes good on its commitment to further diversify the country’s economy.

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