More than 1,000 local government officials across Guyana are set to benefit from significant increases in their monthly stipends, with payments expected to take effect within days, according to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand.

The increases, first announced as part of the 2026 National Budget, will see Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and councillors receiving substantially higher stipends, while regional councillors will also benefit from an upward adjustment.

Minister Manickchand said the Government has now completed the administrative processes required to implement the increases after securing the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Finance.

Under the revised structure, NDC chairpersons will receive $50,000 per month, up from $10,000, while vice-chairpersons will move from $5,000 to $40,000. Councillors’ stipends will increase tenfold, from $3,000 to $30,000. Meanwhile, regional councillors will see their stipends rise from $30,000 to $50,000.

The Minister noted that the increases will benefit approximately 70 NDC chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, in addition to more than 1,000 councillors serving in local democratic organs across the country.

She said the enhanced stipends reflect the Government’s commitment to strengthening local governance and supporting those who play a direct role in community development and service delivery.

“With more, our councillors, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons will have more to give, I hope,” Minister Manickchand said.

She added that the Government expects the increased compensation to further encourage effective leadership and stronger performance within local democratic bodies.

“When much is given, much is expected. I believe that we can work together to make our local bodies function better, and this is our part as a state to help these bodies function better,” the Minister stated.

The stipend increases are expected to bring long-awaited financial relief to local government representatives while reinforcing the Government’s efforts to improve the effectiveness of local democratic institutions nationwide.