CHRISTMAS RELIEF FOR THE CITIZENS OF GUYANA – A Call for Meaningful Economic Relief and Financial Support

The Alliance For Change (AFC) recognizes the growing economic hardships facing Guyanese families as rising living costs and declining purchasing power continue to erode their standard of living. At a time of unprecedented national revenues, ordinary citizens deserve a fair share of Guyana’s wealth.

The AFC is calling for meaningful economic relief, while raising concerns about unfulfilled electricity price promises, persistent blackouts and the government’s continued reliance on costly power ships instead of sustainable energy solutions.

Guyana’s wealth must benefit its people. The time for real relief is now.

Against this backdrop, the Alliance For Change is calling for a comprehensive Christmas Relief and Economic Support Package to provide immediate financial relief, stimulate household spending, and improve the standard of living of all Guyanese.

The AFC proposes the following measures:

1. 15% increase in salaries to all public servants.
2. An increase in the tax threshold to 200,000
3. A reduction in the rate of PAYE to 20%
4. A reduction in secondary tax above the rate from 35% to 30%
5. A reduction in corporate taxes by 5%
6. A reduction in VAT to 10%
7. A 1 off tax free bonus to members of the disciplinary services, Nurses, and teachers with A 50% tax free salary to all other public servants.
8. Increase in social support
9. Old age pension by 15%
10. Public Assistance by 20%
11. Vat relief holiday on all goods between December 15, 2026 and January 14, 2027 0% VAT payable during this period. 
12. A 150,000 direct transfer to all other citizens 18 and over not benefiting from any of the measures above.

A FAIRER SHARE OF GUYANA’S WEALTH

The AFC firmly believes that these measures represent a meaningful and necessary intervention in the lives of ordinary Guyanese. They are intended to put more disposable income into the hands of citizens, stimulate local businesses, strengthen household purchasing power, support vulnerable communities, and ensure that the benefits of Guyana’s economic growth are shared more equitably.

Guyana is a resource-rich nation, and its people deserve to experience the benefits of that wealth. Our oil, gold, forests, and other natural resources must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of every citizen, not simply increased government revenues.

The AFC believes that responsible economic management must strike a balance between providing immediate relief and maintaining long-term economic stability. These proposals are aimed at improving living standards while ensuring that increased disposable income is supported by sound fiscal management and measures to guard against inflationary pressures.

The time has come for the people of Guyana to receive a fairer share of the nation’s wealth. Christmas should be a season of hope, relief, and opportunity for every Guyanese family, not another reminder of the economic struggles they face.

ONE PEOPLE. ONE NATION. ONE DESTINY.