-FITUG representative

HEAD of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Carvil Duncan, whose union is part of the trade union umbrella grouping the federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has described the consultation with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on the 2014 National Budget as productive and informative.Duncan said: “The meeting with the minister was formal and informative. The intention was to discuss FITUG’s thinking on what should be in the budget to the benefit of the workers we represent.”
“We presented a five- point agenda for the minister to consider and we left very satisfied that the minister was courteous to have invited us to be part of his budget consultations. We left satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. We did not go into the meeting expecting any concrete conclusions, but just for the minister to consider our needs as he prepares his budget for 2014.”
“The minister even told us that we can write to him after the meeting, should we have any fresh ideas that should be considered. We have enjoyed the courtesy extended by government to be part of the consultation meetings this year as we have in previous years and we expect that the same professional courtesy will be extended to us by the current administration.”
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh met last week with members of the FITUG, as part of government’s ongoing efforts to engage all stakeholders in the course of preparations of Budget 2014.
The minister thanked FITUG for the several constructive suggestions and recommendations they have made over the years and which have informed government policy on a number of important issues.
The minister also acknowledged the forthright positions taken by FITUG on issues of national importance, including the condemnation of the budget cuts imposed by the Opposition in previous years, which have since been ruled to be unconstitutional by the Chief Justice (ag).
The discussions were frank and fruitful and dealt with a number of issues of interest to the membership of FITUG and of relevance to the overall economic and social development in Guyana.
Government will continue to engage other stakeholders over the coming days and weeks as part of its ongoing efforts to receive the views of all parties on issues which will impact Guyana’s economic prosperity.
Government remains fortified in the commitment that has guided its preceding terms of office to implement policies, programmes and projects required to realise a modern and prosperous Guyana. Government also remains resolute in working with all stakeholders that share a common vision for economic growth and development as part of the Budget 2014 preparations.