WELL, the 2012 budget debate is now under way and what an interesting one it has been, with representatives from both sides, defending their respective party’s position. Yes, fiery at times, because such is what has always been the tenor of parliamentary debates.
The floor duel between Minister of Housing Irfaan Ali and former PNC Finance Minister can be described as the old versus the new.
No disrespect is meant to the experienced Carl Greenidge, who comes from a very wide background of service at international organisation level, having served as ACP Secretary-General for some time, as well as senior negotiator for CARICOM. No one must deny him those achievements. However, against the young and ebullient Minister Ali, he has met a very formidable match as was evident during Tuesday’s opening debate. Sure, his defence of his brief was commendable and worthy of the trust and responsibility he holds.
However, full marks must be given to the Honourable Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, for his astute and resolute management of the House proceedings. I do believe that the nation will continue to observe a Speaker who will ensure order and fairplay within the domain of that august assembly.
His appeal to both sides of the House “to deliver the best budget Guyana has ever had” is indeed an appeal to ALL, especially the opposition, to put the nation first. But the most revealing section of his exhortation was when he advised the Opposition “not to see the estimates as being there to be destroyed, but as a framework on which more can be added”. So, for those persons who probably believed that Trotman would be biased in the direction of the opposition, he has surprised them with his impartial and fair management of the proceedings, thus far. He has followed the letter, by reminding the Opposition on occasions that he will not allow their attempts at diktat, so much so that he has earned the commendations of the government side.
The nation can only be encouraged by this display of statesmanship at this most challenging time.
Let us all be reminded, that the nation and its people stand to gain from a continuation of the numerous programmes intervened thus far. This much, the Speaker has hinted, when he alluded to a “framework on which more can be added.
I hope that the opposition heeds such an admonition.