Georgetown, Guyana – The Government of Guyana is preparing to launch a community-based financial literacy programme aimed at empowering citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote responsible investment and wealth creation at the individual, household, and community levels.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the plan during a public meeting at Canal No. 2 Polder on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy in fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods. The programme will focus on teaching families and communities how to combine resources for collective investment opportunities, including co-investing in national projects such as the upcoming fertilizer factory and national gas company.
“We have to invest in financial literacy. We have to teach communities and families how to combine their individual capital and use it as collective wealth to generate new income,” President Ali stated. He underscored the importance of prioritizing investments that yield compounding returns, such as education, property, and business ventures.
The initiative aligns with the government’s vision for a modern and inclusive Guyana, where citizens can thrive through access to world-class education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digital services. It also supports ongoing efforts to incentivize informal workers like farmers, drivers, and seasonal laborers to register with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), ensuring access to pensions and other benefits upon retirement.
In addition to promoting financial literacy, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce has pledged support for small businesses through training programs in supply chain management, customer service, marketing, and supervisory skills. Minister Oniedge Walrond highlighted a shift toward strategic community development projects that encourage growth and sustainability for small enterprises across Guyana’s regions.
The financial literacy programme builds on existing initiatives by institutions like the Bank of Guyana, which has been providing guidance on saving, borrowing responsibly, avoiding fraudulent schemes, and making wise investment decisions since 2009. These efforts aim to improve individual financial well-being while contributing to greater national wealth.
As Guyana continues its rapid economic transformation fueled by natural resource wealth, this community-driven approach seeks to ensure that all citizens have access to tools for financial empowerment and sustainable prosperity. The government’s commitment reflects its dedication to creating opportunities for every Guyanese family to achieve lasting economic security.
