Ministers Whittaker & Sukhai flay opposition over budget cuts
MINISTER within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker, has accused the opposition — A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) — of playing with the lives of ordinary Guyanese people by cutting the National Budget by more than $21 billion. Speaking to scores of residents at a public meeting in Jibb Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, last Friday, he said those political parties have no good in them, because they have voted against development in the country.
The Minister said the parties know that the people who did not go out and vote for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) at last year’s general elections have awakened and realised their mistake of not voting for the latter.
Whittaker said the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led grouping and the AFC cannot afford an election now, as they do not have the resources.
He assured residents that, although the combined Opposition has cut the National Budget, the Government will still deliver its programme and projects to bring betterment to all Guyanese.
Whittaker said the PPP/C has a proud record of development, but that of the PNC Government is one of destruction and massive food shortages, which led to hardship for Guyanese; and many fled to other shores.
Committed
He said the ruling PPP/C Government is committed to guiding Guyanese through every little storm they might face from time to time.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai, who spoke at the same meeting, said people must not forget all the achievements of this Government, and she urged those in attendance to see beyond themselves and think about the development across the country.
Alluding to the budget cuts, she concurred that they would affect ordinary Guyanese, especially Amerindians in the hinterland.
Sukhai charged that the combined Opposition will cause the development in Amerindian communities to take 10 steps backwards, because there will be no solar panel units, no computer hubs, and thousands of students would be disadvantaged by the AFC and APNU.
She said the Opposition has twisted the future of the vulnerable in society, as some people did not go out and vote for the PPP/C because of minor problems.
The Minister challenged young people to get involved in development, and even politics, positing that they are part of the solution to the problems currently facing the country.
She also admonished the youths to join the struggle for democracy, so that the future of the country can be secured.
Both Ministers interacted with residents, and took note of issues within their communities.
The meeting was part of the outreach to Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) in which other Ministers participated.