…following talks between Gov’t, APNU
MINISTER of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh yesterday announced a further increase in the old age pension to $10,000.
This announcement came following a meeting between President Donald Ramotar and the Leader of the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader, David Granger. In his budget presentation two weeks ago, the minister had announced that old age pension will be increased from $7,500 to $8,100. It has now been increased to $10,000, which is $2,500 more.
Senior citizens will now receive this new increase with effect from May 1, 2012.
The record-breaking $192.8 billion budget was presented under the theme, ‘Remaining on Course, United in Purpose, Prosperity for All’.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) made this welcome announcement before the National Assembly, just prior to the commencement of the Consideration of the 2012 Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply.

“Mr. Speaker, it would be recalled that a question was asked of me yesterday whether government would be willing to meet with the Opposition, in relation to the budget estimates,” Dr. Singh said.

“APNU Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence, on Tuesday, by way of an oral question without notice had posed the question.
“In response to which, I confirmed the government’s continued availability to receive views from stakeholders, including most importantly, our colleague parliamentary parties, and to consider these views providing that the matters to be discussed were documented and that the schedule for consideration of the estimates was adhered to in its entirety,” he recalled.
He told the House that he is happy to report that as a result of that undertaking yesterday morning, a meeting was held at the Office of the President between President Ramotar and a delegation including himself, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger, along with his delegation.

Minister Singh said that in the coming weeks, government will be examining the adjustments that would be required to fund this increase.

“As a result of these understandings, it is expected that the consideration of the estimates will proceed smoothly in accordance with the scheduled agreed. It was further agreed that the other issues raised by Mr. Granger will require additional study and examination on which we will remain engaged,” he said.

“I wish to acknowledge the efforts made by both sides in ensuring cordial and effective discussions, so that the interests of the people of Guyana are properly served,” the Finance Minister stated.