– one for $1.1 billion, the other for $412.3 million

FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, yesterday, tabled two supplementary financial papers.The first, a $1.1B paper, reflects advance made from the contingencies fund for the period 2013-11-06 to 2013-12-31.
The listed expenditures on this paper are in relation to: additional electricity subsidy to Linden Electricity Company Inc (LINMINE) and Kwakwani Utilities Inc.; to clean up campaign in Georgetown; payment of additional stipend and tuition fees for Government of Guyana sponsored students; execution of additional drainage and irrigation works; providing additional support to Transport and Harbours Department; and clean up exercise at schools within the Georgetown District following heavy rainfall, among others.
A provision for assistance to Philippines following typhoon Haiyan, Somalia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Dominica is also included on the paper.
Informed by the needs analysis of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDMA), recently made public, Cabinet approved the transfer of some US$275,000 to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia.
The countries were hit by the torrential rains and high winds, which caused deaths and severe damage to property and infrastructure over the period December 23 to 25.
The second financial paper is for $412.3m, which is a supplementary provision on the capital estimates for the period ended 2013-12-31.
Included in this provision are amounts for additional inflows specific to drainage and irrigation works including control structures, gates, culverts, bridges, pump station and rehabilitation of channels and consultancy services; additional inflows specific to upgrading of roads, construction of core homes and supply of materials and labour for the construction of houses under the hinterland pilot component; and additional inflows specific to the purchase of furniture and equipment to enhance the institutional capacity of the Court of Appeal, Commercial Court, Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers, Ministry of Legal Affairs; establishment of Law Revision Department; rehabilitation of courtrooms; purchase of transformer and administrative expenses.
Both financial papers are expected to be considered at the next sitting of the National Assembly.

(By Vanessa Narine)