MONDAY 2nd February, 2026
PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE
No. 108062
Fiscal discipline, diversification and lower taxes are future-proofing economy – President Ali
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President Dr Irfaan Ali arrived in Belize for a three-day State Visit on Sunday and was welcomed by the country’s Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology of Belize, Francis Fonseca and other dignitaries. Accompanying President Ali are Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Guyana, Hugh Todd and a delegation of investors and business leaders. During the visit, the Guyanese leader will be the guest speaker at a Special Sitting of Parliament and will engage in high-level discussions aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries (OP photos)
Govt MPs to defend 2026 fiscal plan as budget debate begins today
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PM Phillips, Ambassador Yang: Guyana-China partnership remains strong, enduring 12
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Budget 2026 measures put people first, paves way for incremental development - Minister McCoy 15
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A Closer Look at Budget 2026 Strategic Infrastructural Advancement:
* Completion and advancement of major highway and road corridors, including the Railway Embankment four-lane highway to Mahaica and onward to D’Edward, Ogle–Eccles to Providence and Diamond, Heroes Highway to Land of Canaan, Soesdyke–Linden Highway, and Linden–Mabura–Kurupukari–Palmyra to Moleson Creek four-lane highway, with $196.1 billion allocated for roads and bridges in 2026. * Construction of new strategic bridges, including new bridges at Berbice and Kurupukari, completion of the Wismar Bridge and preparatory work towards the Corentyne River Bridge, supported by a $12.2 billion allocation for bridges in 2026. * Massive expansion and modernisation of the national electricity system through the Gas-to-Energy project (Phase I, 300 MW targeted by end‑2026, and preparatory work for Phase II), $66.2 billion for transmission and distribution upgrades, $6 billion for renewable energy (solar farms and mini-grids), and a total $119.4 billion for the energy strategy in 2026. * Large-scale investments in air transport infrastructure, including a new 150,000 square foot arrivals terminal at CJIA, construction of two new municipal airports at Rose Hall/Canje and Lethem, and $4 billion to complete and commence works on multiple hinterland airstrips in 2026. * Major upgrading of river transport and port facilities, including new port facilities at Charity, Parika and Port Kaituma, the New Parika Ferry Stelling and waterfront development ($2.2 billion in 2026), and $6.3 billion for capital dredging at the mouth of the Demerara River to accommodate larger vessels and improve shipping efficiency. * Continued strengthening of sea and river defences, with works to commence in several vulnerable coastal areas such as Belladrum, Cane Garden, Cullen and La Jalousie, supported by an $11.3 billion allocation in 2026 for development and reinforcement of sea defences.