Predicting continuous growth, Gopaul ignores pay hike call
THE 2012 National Budget will see continuous growth and development of Guyana, Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul said in Parliament.
Making his first speech in the National Assembly, during the continuation of the debate on Wednesday evening, he alluded to the times when persons had to go through severe hardships, since there were no proper roads and transportation. But he noted that the situation is much improved today, as compared to what it was in those days.
Criticising what he called the unreasonableness displayed by the Opposition in dealing with the Budget, Gopaul said: “We cannot have discourse on a budget without analysing it and making statements about corruption.”
He questioned how one can suggest that the Budget gives way to corruption, a view expressed by the Opposition.
Gopaul asked why the figures in the estimates were not analysed and a scientific input made.
He said: “I would have thought that this Parliament, given its current composition, would have provided an opportunity for serious discourse, sober deliberations and a working arrangement from all sides, so that we would be able to find common grounds with a view to seeing this country develop further.”
The minister said he believes that, in highlighting some of the problems the country faced in the past, one would realise that, although they were caused by some on the Opposition side and then People’s National Congress (PNC), those members have moved in a different political direction.
“I would have thought that we would have been able to show that maturity and discuss issues in order to work together,” he maintained.
Gopaul made reference to the avenue that has been opened, by President Donald Ramotar, for Opposition members to meet with those of the ruling party to find common grounds and wondered about the seriousness of the former in relation to the initiative.
“We should examine where we are now and where we were before and no one can deny that development has taken place, under the PPP/C Government over the last four elections, in an unprecedented manner,” he suggested.
Gopaul said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government believes in even-handed development as one can see it everywhere in all the different Regions.
In every Region, new hospitals and schools are being constructed under the present Administration, he stated.
Gopaul, arguing that the call, by the Opposition, for a 20 percent increase in wages and salaries, posited that, if it happens, there can be consequences that will negate it.