With memories of the largely reckless, irresponsible and vindictive

conduct of the Parliamentary Opposition so far in the Tenth Parliament, Guyanese must be pondering as to what will both A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) bring to the 2013 budget debates.
One can understand whatever trepidation exists in the minds of citizens, given last April’s politically murderous cuts of over G$20B from the 2012 budget, that for a while denied funds to many of the nation’s socio-economic programmes, threatened freedom of expression by cutting subventions to the State media, impeded the work of the Executive and its important schedules, and caused great uncertainty and economic hardship to hundreds of young people.
There was never any rational underpinning to such unprecedented political behaviour, as proven when the court found that the cuts were illegal.
Thus it concludes the fact that the opposition’s modus operandi was naked power play and diktat, influenced by their current unique position in the House.
The latter it was hoped, would have fostered a sense of commitment and re-dedication to ideals of love of country. This much had been expected by a nation, whose people have begun to settle down to the task of nation building. Instead, their hopes have so far been sadly disappointed.
So what to expect? Already, there are indications of an illogical response to the mammoth $208.8b allocations. With statements ranging from: “bigger, but not better” to outright rejection from AFC chieftain Khemraj Ramjattan. There is also the threat of reducing sector allocations, that are too much, according to the opposition’s finance spokesperson, Carl Greenidge, whose infamous “no apologies will be forthcoming” statement, stands as a grave discredit to his party and colleagues. But there is the expected, old refrain that the 2013 Budget does not address the needs of the poor.
Like all prior budgets that have been gradually fortifying the wellbeing of the Guyanese people, this one presented by the Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, deepens this process.
Undoubtedly, government understands the severe challenges that the nation’s old aged category do have, and has responded with a further 25% increase to the already  monthly sum of $10,000 as pension. Add this to the $20,000 per annum to assist in defraying GPL energy charges – an intervention that is very much welcomed by the ‘golden oldies’.
The initiative of paying the National Insurance Scheme contributions for employees and employers, for earnings $50,000 and below, coupled with the reduction of the personal income tax from 331/3% to 30%, are just two of the measures that will make  more disposable income  available to the Guyanese worker.
With the continuation of further allocation of subsidies to GPL, the latter will be able to cope with its astronomical fuel bill, thereby decreasing the possibility for consumers to pay an increase in their energy charges.
A close scrutiny of the allocations made to the individual sectors, particularly health, housing and water, education, roads and bridges will stand to reason that since these pivotal areas are at the centre of the transformation process, then further funding is compulsory, given the rapid socio-economic progress of the nation. Not to increase these appropriate programmes, will only stymie the modernisation initiative.
The Opposition must appreciate the fact, that very few developing countries can continue investment in their social sectors, much less being able to sustain economic growth as Guyana has done, for seven consecutive years.
This is what has made Guyana the economic envy of CARICOM, as well as receiving high praise from multilateral financial agencies. Call it a tribute to the astute management of the nation’s economy by the PPP/C government.
Therefore, it will be extremely difficult for both opposition parties to support, much less sustain, their baseless criticisms of the 2013 Budget. They must be warned that any irrational attempt to impede the progress of the Budget is an assault on the nation’s progress. Their best line is to give support for the passage of the Estimates.
The nation watches, with the hope that maturity and good sense will prevail, as the 2013 budget debate kicks off today.