The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is urging the government to grant a special “Christmas Relief” cash transfer of no less than $150,000 to every citizen aged 18 and over as the festive season gains momentum.
The party says rising living costs and mounting financial pressures on vulnerable households make such relief essential, especially for those in poverty, hinterland and rural communities, and families already strained by poor infrastructure and higher expenses during the holidays.
APNU argues that the call is justified by the government’s expanding revenue base and the greater needs of a growing population. The coalition notes that while citizens received a $100,000 cash grant in 2024, worsening economic conditions now require a more substantial intervention.
The party also highlighted major increases in government earnings as a key basis for the proposed adjustment. Mid-year revenues for 2025 rose to $497.3 billion, a 44.7% jump from 2024. Total revenues for 2025 are projected to reach $1.024 trillion, up 30.5% from the $784.6 billion collected in 2024.
With the early start-up of the Yellowtail FPSO and continued expansion of oil production, APNU contends that these projections may even be conservative.
APNU estimates that about 604,000 adults will be eligible for the relief by December 2025.
At $150,000 per person, the total payout would amount to $90.6 billion, the party said, adding that this figure represents a manageable share of projected revenues and is therefore “financially feasible”.
