Gov’t engages national stakeholders on 2013 budget

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali Friday met with members of the private sector, as government ministers engage various stakeholders across the country to get Guyanese more involved in preparations for the national 2013 budget.

Among those at the meeting were representatives of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); Private Sector Commission (PSC); Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GM&SA); Aircraft Owners Association; and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).
Minister Ali said President Donald Ramotar’s administration believes that there should be cooperation in all aspects of life and comprehensive stakeholder collaboration.
He noted that this was just one of the meetings the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry would have with stakeholders on budget issues for 2013. Additionally, it is anticipated that next year’s budget will reflect how all stakeholders see the country progressing.
The minister pointed out that during the year, other meetings were held with members of the private sector, during which many issues were brought up and representations made. However, now is the time to work out in some detail the implications they will have on policy and the economy. The intention is to ensure that the policy benefits Guyanese, first and foremost, and the economy as a whole.
Minister Ali noted that similar meetings will be held with the consumer related bodies such as the Consumers’ Association and the Federation of Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), thereby giving a holistic perspective on issues.
Trouble-free
He emphasised that it is hoped that Budget 2013 will be trouble-free. “We do not want Budget 2013 to be bogged down… in my opinion, this wide approach is necessary in ensuring that Budget 2013 is given consideration in Parliament based on merit and the reflection of where the people see us as a country moving forward,” Minister Ali said.
He referred to a statement made by GCCI President Clinton Urling that Parliament should be the entity that seeks to push national development, and not one that curtails same.
Minister Ali noted that the discussions will cover a range of areas, such as tourism and commerce, that the private sector deems important to national development.
PSC Chairman Ronald Webster reiterated the importance of the various stakeholders engaging the government on the preparation of the national budget. There is no point in sitting on the fence after the fact and speculating about what should have been included in the budget when the opportunity exists for stakeholders to make an impact from the onset, he noted.
He highlighted that one of the things the private sector would like to see in the budget is investment in tourism, particularly eco-tourism, since this is one of the areas of tremendous growth opportunities. Webster noted that eco-tourism has many spin-off benefits relating to arts and craft.
He recalled that many years ago, Guyana had some outstanding artists whose work was recognised globally, and while this may no longer be the case, investments in tourism present the opportunity to revive the arts in Guyana.
Webster said efforts need to be made towards attracting and maintaining skilled workers, and ports of entry need to be optimised.
He noted that the private sector has recognised the need for job creation, since the availability of jobs, as a ripple effect, creates growth. It is also hoped that focus will be placed on local manufacturers, particularly those engaged in the production of building materials.GCCI President Urling noted that the meeting was very important, and called on other stakeholders to get involved in the consultations with the government.
He recalled that earlier this year the budget presentations were played out as if Parliament was a theatre, with both sides being undecided on what items to keep and what to cut. It is then crucial for all stakeholders to get involved and discuss the issues pertinent to the 2013 budget before the minister’s presentation in Parliament, he said.