Yesterday’s High Court ruling in regard to the unconstitutionality of the cuts imposed by the Parliamentary Opposition on the National Budget is most welcome by government, and in particular by the Ministry of Finance.“While Government intends to examine and study the ruling in detail, it does appear to bring closure to the vexing matter of the budget cuts,” according to a statement from Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh last evening.

“The Opposition’s initial responses to the ruling, and in particular their apparent refusal to accept the conclusiveness and authoritativeness of the ruling, display their continued contempt for the courts of Guyana and their lack of concern for that which is in the public interest. It is time for the Opposition to accept the ruling of the Court and permit progress and development to continue in our country.
“Now that this ruling is out, the Opposition would be well advised to take heed and be guided accordingly. The Opposition would also be well advised to engage in meaningful consultation on Budget 2014 instead of refusing to meet with Government and continuing to threaten further unconstitutional cuts.
“Despite Government’s numerous invitations to the APNU, they have bluntly announced their refusal to participate.
“Today’s ruling is a win, not only for Government, but for all law abiding Guyanese who have agonized for two years over the Parliamentary spectacle of unconstitutional cuts being imposed on the national budget,” Dr Singh concluded.