More than 1,000 local government officials across Guyana are expected to begin receiving sharply increased monthly stipends within days, following government approval for higher payments to Neighbourhood Democratic Council and Regional Democratic Council representatives.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, who said the adjustments will benefit NDC councillors, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, as well as RDC councillors across the country.
According to the minister, the enhanced payments have already received the necessary approvals and will soon begin reaching councils and individual office holders.
Under the revised structure, NDC chairpersons will now receive $50,000 per month, up from $10,000, while vice-chairpersons will move from $5,000 to $40,000. NDC councillors will see their stipends rise from $3,000 to $30,000 monthly, and RDC councillors will move from $30,000 to $50,000.
Manickchand said the increases form part of efforts to strengthen local democratic bodies and provide greater support to those serving at the community level.
She said the hope is that with greater support, councillors and other office holders will be better positioned to serve residents and contribute more effectively to the work of local government bodies.
The minister also said the move reflects government’s wider push to improve the functioning of local democratic organs and ensure they are better equipped to respond to the needs of communities.
The increased stipends were among measures signalled in the 2026 national budget and are expected to benefit officials serving in NDCs and RDCs nationwide.
