FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni Singh will present the National Estimates (Budget) for 2014 in the National Assembly Monday coming, March 24.

According to a statement from the Finance Ministry, this year’s budget is expected to continue promoting the PPP/C’s commitment to accelerate economic growth and social development, and emphasize macroeconomic

stability through continued creation of investment opportunities, expanding and upgrading physical infrastructure, improving the quality of social services, and strengthening institutional and regulatory environments.

“Guyana’s strong economic performance of recent years has been the direct result of the responsible policy stance adopted, and the prudent and responsible choices exercised and decisions made over the years by the PPP/C government,” the statement said, adding:

“Over the past eight years, Guyana has experienced an unprecedented period of uninterrupted growth, standing out in its economic performance despite the crises that have enveloped economies in the Caribbean and beyond during that same period.”

The Ministry says that despite the National Assembly being blighted by stalemate after stalemate over the last three years, Budget 2014 presents yet another opportunity for all parties to work together in the interest of the people of Guyana.

The compilation of the Budget, which began in June 2013, follows a number of stakeholder meetings which saw participation from the private sector, labour unions and other interest groups, except the Parliamentary Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), which, despite repeated invitations, opted to boycott the consultations.

This slight notwithstanding, Minister Singh is calling on the Parliamentary Opposition “to embrace the opportunity to work together with Government to ensure smooth passage of the Budget through the National Assembly in the coming weeks.”

This year will be the eighth presentation of National Estimates (budget) made by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, his having first presented in 2007, following his appointment as Finance Minister in September 2006.