– no cuts implemented
THE estimates and expenditure for year 2012 for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport were approved unopposed by the National Assembly Wednesday evening. On Wednesday, the Alliance for Change had circulated a notice proposing cuts in spending in this ministry that would have left many jobless had it been accepted by the House.
Under the 2012 National Budget, the sum of $544,600M was allocated to the ministry under four sectors: administration, culture, youth and sport.
The sum of $12.9M was allocated for the administration of the ministry and will cover the rehabilitation of the building and driveway, the purchase of a vehicle, furniture and equipment.
The culture sector was allocated $53.7M to cover the upgrading of the water supply system and the purchase of equipment for the National Cultural Centre; the purchase of furniture and equipment for the National School of Dance; the construction of an aquarium and purchase of a vehicle, furniture and equipment for the development of Guyana’s museums and the National Trust; the National Archives and the Burrowes School of Art; the upgrading of heritage sites; and the rehabilitation of the building.
In the area of youth development, the sum of $27M was allocated and will serve for the construction and maintenance of buildings, upgrading of water supply systems and the purchase of tools and equipment. Also covered under this allocation will be subventions to local organisations, training and operational expenses for national events.
Under the sports sector, the sum of $451M was allocated to the National Stadium and the National Sports Commission. The AFC had proposed that the allocation for the latter be cut. This amount will provide for the athletic track at Leonora and the warm-up pool. Additionally, monies will be provided for the community resources and centers, grounds and other facilities, sports gear, furniture and equipment.
Also covered under the budgetary allocation will be funding towards training programmes covering youths at the Sophia and Kuru Kuru Skills Training Centres and the New Opportunity Corps’ rehabilitation programmes.
After an exhausting session of answering questions detailing the various allocations, Minister Frank Anthony was finally granted reprieve when the Opposition appeared satisfied that all their questions had been answered satisfactorily. The total amount allocated was approved without any cuts.