By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Member of Parliament Saiku Andrews has strongly criticised the government’s education support policies, arguing that the former 5 B’s Programme implemented under the APNU/AFC administration was far more beneficial to schoolchildren than the current Because We Care cash grant.
Speaking during Day Two of the ongoing National Budget Debates, Andrews, who represents A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), contended that children received significantly greater support under the previous system, which addressed multiple daily costs associated with attending school.
According to Andrews, the decision by the current administration to discontinue the 5 B’s Programme for what he described as “political expediency” has resulted in increased financial pressure on parents. He argued that the real cost of sending a child to school far exceeds the annual assistance now provided.
In outlining his case, Andrews broke down what he described as conservative estimates of school-related expenses. He said transportation alone costs approximately G$100 to travel to school and G$100 to return, amounting to G$1,000 per week over five school days. Over a 39-week academic year, this translates to about G$39,000 per child.
He further estimated that breakfast costs around G$400 per day, or G$2,000 per week, which totals approximately G$78,000 over the school year. Combined, Andrews argued, breakfast and transportation alone amount to roughly G$117,000 per child annually under the former system—well above the assistance currently provided.
The MP maintained that even under conservative assumptions, the transportation grant alone under the previous APNU/AFC government exceeded the G$10,000 support offered under earlier People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) policies, and remains higher than what is effectively covered under the current framework.
Andrews also disputed claims that the current annual support of approximately G$85,000 adequately offsets the cost of education, arguing instead that the true cost of sending a child to school is substantially higher. He said the 5 B’s Programme could have been reviewed and refined rather than abandoned altogether, allowing the state to provide more comprehensive assistance to school-aged children.
He concluded by describing it as unfortunate that the government failed to assess and build upon what he characterised as the strengths of the 5 B’s Programme, insisting that a modified version could have delivered greater benefits to students and families across Guyana.
The issue of education support and household costs is expected to remain a focal point as debate on the 2026 National Budget continues in the National Assembly.
