– PPP/C MP Chandarpal,  defending issue of development  during budget debate
PPP/C Member of Parliament Indra Chandarpal has denied opposition claims that there has been no progress in development in Guyana. Rising to defend the national budget presented in the National Assembly, she stated that Guyana’s economic and social growth is a work in progress everywhere and in every sector.
Chandarpal noted that budget time has always been one of great expectations, since the PPP/C was elected to office, “fuelled by the people’s knowledge and recognition of our stewardship of sterling growth in all sectors of Guyana’s development.”
She stated that the theme of the 2012 budget, Remaining on Course, United in Purpose and Prosperity for All, is in sync with the PPP/C developmental agenda. Explaining that all national budgets presented by the PPP/C administration have major commonalities,  Chandarpal pointed to the areas of macro-economic stability, sustained growth in
all of the various sectors, new and innovative programmes, and care for the poor and vulnerable.
“Our budgets were always about maintaining and sustaining growth in all sectors. This is evidenced by the domestic economy achieving real growth averaging 4.4% over the past 6 years, with 2011 recording a 5.4% growth rate,” she declared.
She highlighted the fact that the Minister of Finance in his presentation spoke of the key achievements over the last five years and cited the performance of seven major sectors in which there was growth: 68% in the bauxite industry, followed by gold which recorded a l6.7% growth. She said that this growth augurs well for the country, since there are still sections of the population which are in need of assistance in one way or another from government.
Acknowledging that there is still a lot more to be done in different areas of development, Chandarpal said the initiatives outlined by the Minister of Finance will certainly provide the necessary fillip to these.
Observing that government would have liked to provide more assistance in terms of percentage and quantum, “unfortunately, you cannot give more than what you have. We are mindful that the amount allocated to old age pensions is attracting attention, and we would like to give them much more. However, this is not a once for all action, this has
to be sustained, and it has to be given in the stages as the economy allows,” she pointed out.
She charged persons who accuse the administration of being heartless to remember that it was the PPP/C that removed the ‘means test” and now provides for all persons 65 years and older to get a pension, while providing public assistance to thousands of people who are faced with difficult situations.
“When we refer to social assistance, we need to take the collective benefits accrued,” Chandarpal stated emphatically, “whether it is water rates assistance; eye care for seniors; assistance for children; the school uniform programme; or the single parents initiative through the Women of Worth programme.”
Pointing to the legal aid as well as initiatives available in other social sectors, such as health, education, labour, housing and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Chandarpal observed that some provide direct assistance, while others cater for training for upward mobility.
She noted that the three Constitutional Commissions have also been tasked with the responsibility of undertaking a number of actions on behalf of women, children and indigenous people.
“This collective approach will definitely help to ameliorate hardship and accelerate development in these areas. The sustained development of the country and its people includes a variety of measures, including policies, programmes, measures to protect citizens, access to various types of opportunities, collaboration with civil society,
subvention to support those organisations, providing service to those that are in need among others,” she declared.
She also cited the fact that the current administration had created a home for destitute people, provided them with food and clothing, and is constructing yet another shelter at Onverwagt for more such persons, “It is our desire to assist them so that they can be reintegrated fully in our society,” Chandarpal stated.
The PPP/C parliamentarian credited the administration for increased spending in all areas, noting that the overall increases in the last two decades were very substantial, making a significant impact on the lives of large numbers of people with greater needs.
Overall, almost all the people of Guyana are living in improved conditions, she stated, going on to point to the success of the housing development which has transformed the landscape of hundreds of communities, along with the lives of thousands of people, giving them a sense of achievement, pride and self- worth. “The children of today
have something to look forward to because their parents are in a better place.”
While Guyana’s economic and social growth is a work in progress, “we must also be mindful of the negative trends affecting the social behaviour of large sections of our population… there is need for more citizens to become more involved and take responsibility for their actions and those of their offspring,” the MP charged, positing that
this calls for collective responsibility and action by all.
“Our people must understand that a government alone cannot solve all the problems of the people. People everywhere need to take ownership for their own development, by being more proactive in the development of their communities and families. While the government is taking initiatives at the national level to expand our economic base, the
people can support these initiatives by being more responsible and involved.”
She called on all MPs to do “whatever is necessary to encourage our respective supporters to be more supportive of their communities in ways that are positive.”
Under the PPP/C there is optimism, and there is growth and prosperity for all, Chandarpal stated,  pointing to the many prospects emerging for Guyana, especially in the utilisation of the country’s abundant natural resources.
Noting the progress in oil exploration and investors showing great confidence in Guyana, she stated that Guyana now has the largest number of local and foreign companies ever.
“We are indeed reaching new levels of realisation of the many expectations raised in our National Development Strategy…the good news is that 2012 will see a bigger expansion with even more massive investments. For the PPP/C government, growth in the economy will provide new spring boards to delivery of  social goods to large
sections of our population.”