“Has something for everyone”
— Harripersaud Nokta
FINANCE Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh yesterday presented the $192.8 billion 2012 Budget to the National Assembly, even as the eager Guyanese nation paid his speech rapt attention on the radio and on television. This was by far the largest budget in the history of the country, and after almost three hours spent in his presentation, several Members of Parliament used the opportunity to share their views on Dr. Singh’s presentation, and to explain how the budget fitted in with their expectations.
Local Government Minister, Ganga Persaud commended Finance Minister, Dr. Singh for responding to the needs of all members of society. This, according to him, is demonstrative of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) continued emphasis on progress and development of the country.
“From what I have heard today, it promises to be good, and it shows that the PPP/C continues to place emphasis on the progress and development of all the key resources in the country — human resources, financial, and the improvement of physical infrastructure,” he said.
Expressing the view that the 2012 Budget “shows a balance in terms of continuing development,” he expressed satisfaction that all vulnerable groups in society were catered for.
General Secretary of the Guyana’s Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, pointed out that through successive budgets presented by Minister Dr. Ashni Singh; the country has witnessed “rock solid foundation,” where revenues are concerned.
“Some areas highlighted make a lot of sense; and while we will continue to provide the foundation, like anyone else out there, we will want to see issues like income tax threshold raised, social benefits increased; that also happened. Continuously, year after year, these budgets have been able to present to the Guyanese people more and more expenditure on social services, in the social sector.
Expenditures are related to revenues and income, and there is no way you can give more if you are getting less,” he explained.
Seeraj also said that this year’s budget goes to the heart of providing a stable environment for businesses, farmers and workers, while at the same time delivering an income for the poor and vulnerable.
In his remarks, Housing and Water Minister, the Minister of Tourism (ag), Mr. Irfaan Ali, said the resources allocated for social expenditure were geared towards ensuring the population benefits holistically from socio-economic growth.
“The emphasis on tourism was very welcome, in recognition of the fact that tourism is a future growth pole that is central to the transformation process,” he added.
“This is very refreshing, and the additional investments show the government’s commitment in ensuring that tourism is expanded,” Ali said.
Ali also expressed satisfaction at the $6 billion allocation to the Housing and Water Sector, saying it will go towards improving access to housing and improved quality and flow of water, as well as providing for pensioners and vulnerable groups.
Alluding to equally important aspects of the budget, he said, “Another critical component is the movement of the income tax threshold to $50,000 per month. This is what a lot of workers have been calling for. It was well crafted in the global economic context, and it represented a lot of the national development priorities.”
Meanwhile, former PPP Government Minister, Harripersaud Nokta lauded the Finance Minister for the $30 billion increase in the 2012 Budget, which he said would result in a “greater facelift to the country”.
“It’s a wonderful budget, and I hope that all will support it. It has something for everyone,” he said.