Time to move on

After two weeks of intense discussions and debates, the $161.4 billion national budget was approved by the National Assembly. The 2011 budget, the biggest ever in the history of this country, was subjected to passionate scrutiny, with both the government and the opposition firing salvoes at each other. Even though the figures in the budget may sound abstract to the ordinary man, the government has ensured that every citizen benefits in some way. The naysayers will always have something negative to say about the budget; but, as Guyanese wanting to see our country move forward, we need to look beyond politics and work hard every day to make our society, and our country as a whole, a better place in which to live.

The criticisms have been the same for the budget. Year after year, there is the argument that there is nothing in the budget for ordinary Guyanese citizens, and that future generations will be left with the burden of paying for what we are spending now.

While these points are worth noting, it is clear that the economy has done well over the years, and that we remained very much on target in terms of achieving the key developmental aims that the administration set out to achieve.

While we must not ignore the challenges we have had over the past year, and review what could have been done better, we must continue to look at the positive things that have been happening, and how far we have come within the last decade.

It is not unreasonable to say that much more could have been done, and resources could have been better utilized in some areas. For example, there is still no concrete plan in place to provide employment for our young people. This is not to say that it is the government’s duty alone to provide employment, but they have an obligation to create the necessary mechanisms to generate employment, since, failing to find suitable employment, most of our best will continue to leave the country for greener pastures.

However, the foregoing having been said, it is still our view that much has been accomplished, considering that our country has been transformed into a modern nation and persons are enjoying a better quality of life. To say that there is nothing in the 2011 budget for the ordinary man is attempting to misrepresent the facts. Minister Manikchand had pointed out during the budget discussions that, to some persons, the budget may seem abstract, but to the pensioner who receives a 12 per cent increase; or to the children who do not have to worry how they are getting uniforms to attend school; or to the parents who do not have to worry about finding meals for their children, because government is providing same; or to the persons who had longed for a place to call home and are now holding land titles in their hands, it means a lot more to them than just an abstract budget.

It must also be noted that the income tax threshold has been raised to $ 40,000, and this directly affects the average earner.

In addition, huge sums of money were allocated towards Housing and Water, Education, Health, and Agriculture, among others. This will allow the government to carry out additional works that have been started in 2010. These developmental, infrastructure-related projects will not only benefit supporters of the ruling party, but all Guyanese, in spite of race or political affiliation. For example, the housing drive that the government has embarked upon has resulted in many Guyanese across the ethnic and political divide owning their own homes.

PNC shadow minister of housing Aubrey Norton, in his contribution to the budget debate, made a scathing attack on Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, calling for a comprehensive housing plan when developing housing schemes. Claims of discriminatory practices in the distribution of house lots were also levied, despite the administration having repeatedly requested that evidence of discriminatory practices be brought to the fore, so that they could be dealt with accordingly. Merely making wild accusations of discrimination and corruption will not suffice. Bring real cases and confront the administration, so that systems and procedures could be reviewed, or corrective actions taken accordingly.

Finally, we fully agree with the opposition’s call for transparency and accountability in regard to how the government spends public money; but, at the same time, we also call for the opposition to be more responsible and cooperative with the administration in rooting out corruption in every area of public service.

The budget debates have come and gone, and it is now time that all political parties and other stakeholders, including ordinary citizens, work together to move our country forward.