FOLLOWING the budget debates, I am left with no other choice but to conclude that the parliamentary opposition opposes everything, just for the sake of opposing. Their arguments and objections are without substance, lack merit and never present a solution to the problem they identify. They have become like the US Republican Party – the Party of No. While the very nature of the budget debate is to ensure transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility and value for taxpayers’ money, most of the arguments put forward by the opposition have no credibility and does not lend to any of the factors outlined above.
An example of the mediocrity that passes for intelligent debate is Ms. Sheila Holder’s claim that the old age pension programme is being used by government to divert public funds. To rectify this she recommends that 17,000 pensioners be arbitrarily removed from the list.
Mr. Corbin is still griping about ‘lack of consultation’ in the preparation of the budget, although we have clearly gone way beyond that. The PNC/R claims the budget has nothing in it for the people, but at the same time asserts that the budget was crafted to win votes, dubbing it an ‘election budget’.
Clearly the combined opposition has no legitimate grounds for disagreement but is like a drowning man clutching at straws.
All Guyanese pray for the day when good sense and maturity will prevail so that these budget debates can be enlightening and effective, rather than a circus show put on by the bumbling opposition.