The government on Friday tabled a series of financial measures in the National Assembly aimed at expanding credit access for small businesses, advancing infrastructure development and strengthening oversight of oil revenues.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, presented the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026, which proposes the creation of a state-backed development bank to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Under the proposal, SMEs and individuals would be eligible for micro-credit loans of up to G$3 million at zero interest, alongside business training and mentorship programmes intended to improve sustainability and growth.
President Irfaan Ali has previously described the proposed institution as a mechanism for community-driven development, enabling citizens to pool resources for small enterprise investment and larger joint ventures.
Singh also tabled financing agreements with multilateral lenders to support infrastructure and utilities projects.
These include a US$156 million World Bank-funded Integrated Transport Corridors Project, which aims to improve road safety, strengthen climate resilience and enhance institutional capacity in the transport sector.
In addition, agreements with the Inter-American Development Bank provide a US$30 million credit line and a US$15.57 million loan to improve climate-resilient water and sanitation services. The funding will support a new water treatment facility at Diamond, smart metering systems, leak reduction efforts and upgrades to Guyana Water Incorporated’s operations.
The minister also presented the latest Notification of Receipts to Parliament for petroleum revenues deposited into the Natural Resource Fund between December 30, 2025 and March 31, 2026.
The Ministry of Finance said the Natural Resource Fund balance stood at US$4.1 billion at the end of April 2026.
The government said the measures reflect its commitment to inclusive growth, fiscal discipline and transparent management of oil revenues.