Werner Rätz, of Attac Germany’s working group enough for all, gave a lecture on 10 April in Brussels entitled, “UBI, Health, Degrowth.” According to Ratz, although the subjects of health and degrowth are closely linked to UBI, the UBI-movement has paid low attention to them up to now.
Source: carolinecircle.com
Jill Segger, “Living by bread alone: economic growth and the citizen’s income”, Ekklesia, February 7, 2014
On May 1, 2011 the Singapore government distributed a “Growth Dividend” to almost all adult citizens—about 2.5 million people. Singapore has experienced enormous growth (12 percent) in the past year, ballooning government revenues. Lawmakers, who created the payment, cited the need to ensure that everyone shares in the benefit of that growth. The size of the dividend was graduated so that people with lower income and wealth would receive a larger dividend. Most Singaporeans (80%) received S$600 to S$800 (about $488 to $650 in U.S. dollars). Those with higher income or wealth received S$100-S$300. So far, more than 90% of Singaporeans have signed up to receive their dividend. The rest have until the end of the year to do so. Although Singapore has distributed dividends before, it has not promised to distribute dividends every year.
For info on the Singapore budget including the “Growth Dividend” go to:
https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2011/pd.html#s7
For an article discussing the dividend go to:
https://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000682/Growth-dividends-in-by-Sunday
For an editorial discussing BIG in Singapore go to:
https://veryfinecommentary.tk/articles/the-slow-trickle/
The South African Civil Society Information Service
This article looks back on the campaign for BIG in South Africa, discussing its successes and failures. Its online at:
https://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/615.1
Photo by Adam Gethin on Unsplash
“President Irfaan Ali’s recent announcement of a $200,000 one-off cash grant to every household across Guyana comes during unprecedented economic growth fueled by the country’s expanding oil sector. The proposal is bold, offering immediate relief to families during a moment of rapid economic change. Yet, while the policy provides short-term financial respite, it raises critical questions about long-term economic security and sustainability, especially when considering a Universal Basic Income (UBI) framework.
As we reflect on this proposal, the broader implications of Guyana’s oil-driven transformation come into focus. How can Guyana ensure its oil wealth benefits all citizens, not just a select few? We explore the prospects and challenges of the one-off cash grant policy, examining how it aligns with—or diverges from—a true UBI system. We also consider some alternative approaches to address economic inequality, with lessons drawn from expert discussions in Transforming Guyana and reflections from recent commentaries.”
To read the full article, click here.
The 24th BIEN CONGRESS in Maricá & Niterói – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 27-29 August 2025
Linkedin, Instagram, X – biencongress25 (at) gmail [dot] com
BIEN2024 was August 29–31 (Pictures and more coming soon)