BUDGET 2025: Gov’t prioritises youth and culture with major investments

In a transformative 2025 budget speech, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Friday noted the government’s commitment to the cultural, artistic, and youthful spirit of Guyana.

Notably, a new recording studio in Port Mourant, set to open in 2025, is part of an initiative to support artists, with an additional three studios planned across regions 2, 3, and 10.

A total of $97.3 million has been allocated to bolster the local music scene and reduce the cost of recording.

Looking to the future, Dr. Singh revealed plans for a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery, for which $1 billion has been earmarked. Furthermore, an $800 million cultural market in Palmyra will showcase Guyana’s rich diversity, offering a space for families to celebrate culture and heritage.

The government’s commitment to youth development was a major focus of Dr. Singh’s speech.

With the launch of the Youth Advisory Council in 2022, an allocation of $75 million has been made for the Council in 2025 to continue its work in ensuring young people are actively involved in national decision-making processes.

There is also support in the budget for the President’s Youth Arm Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme, which was relaunched after a hiatus and has already engaged over 11,000 youths.

Additionally, 66 hubs have been established in regions across the country, benefiting over 5,300 young people with training in robotics and coding, with 30 advanced robotics trainees also supported.

For 2025, the government has allocated $1.2 billion to continue these initiatives, following a $1.1 billion expenditure in 2024.

This funding will support further investments in skills training, entrepreneurship, and creative industries, ensuring that Guyanese youth have the opportunities and tools to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.

In total, the government has allocated $3.6 billion for the ongoing development of culture, arts, and youth programmes in 2025, a significant increase from the $2.6 billion spent in 2024.