Cordial exchanges between Government and Opposition benches
– seemingly herald new dispensation
THE drastic cuts to the Budget that the opposition had threatened, especially Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, have not happened, because the scissors of the duo have been effectively sheathed, thanks to wiser heads prevailing, and a reaction from their own supporters that drove them into defensive mode, as was demonstrated by their hastily-called press conference last Wednesday evening at the Sidewalk Café. In his budget presentation two weeks ago, the Finance Minister had announced an increase in old age pension from $7,500 to $8,100. But yesterday, immediately preceding the commencement of the Consideration of the 2012 Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply, he informed the House
that this has now been increased to $10,000, which will take effect from May 1, 2012.
Alluding to a question asked of him by APNU member, Ms Volda Lawrence the previous day whether government would be willing to meet with the Opposition, in relation to the budget estimates, to which he had responded in the affirmative, the minister affirmed “…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,”. Subsequent to this 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 related.
Arising out of this engagement a compromise was reached to adjust Old Age pension to $10,000. It was not a decision that the Government was unhappy with, because they had also recognized the insufficiency of this amount, but had, in local parlance, “cut their suit to fit their cloth”.
However Minister Singh and his teams will be examining the adjustments that would be required to fund this increase in the coming weeks.
The Finance Minister said “As a result of these understandings, it is expected that the consideration of the estimates will proceed smoothly in accordance with the schedule 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.
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,”
This new political maturity was evident in the House yesterday as the estimates were being considered. There was hardly any dissenting voice, except for minute attention to detail through the questions asked of the Ministers by opposition Members of Parliament. Unanimity seemed the order of the day.
Government and Opposition MPs were being excruciatingly sweet to each other that one kept looking to see when the honey would drip and run along the floor.
All the fears and expectations of confrontations and conflicts were dispelled, and even APNU’s vociferous MP, Ms Amna Ally, was subdued in her questioning of Education Minister Priya Manickchand. Her irascibility and antipathy seemed to have dissipated and she pleasantly shocked the House when she paid Education Minister, Priya Manickchand a compliment, stating “Minister, you’ve done well.”
The respect being accorded each other during the consideration of estimates for Budget 2012 augurs well for Guyana’s future, if it could be maintained.
Minister Ashni Singh had referred to a first-time MP’s observance that it is time that Members of Parliament stop referring to different sides of the House and just be one House – an idealist’s vision, but a vision always held in the heart of the Father of the Nation, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
It would be full circle if Opposition Leader, David Granger is the one to lead the way to this dispensation that could ultimately see opposition and government joining forces to build the country together, as is currently happening in the House.