AS THE National Assembly once again prepares to convene today for the General Policy Debate of Budget 2014, I call on all parties involved to keep in their active consciousness the purpose of their seat in the Parliament and their responsibility to the people who have placed them there.This call came last evening from Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh
Minister Singh continued, “I appeal to my colleagues in the National Assembly for serious and civil debates of Budget 2014. This should not be treated as a stage for political grandstanding. This third budget of the 10th Parliament, like previous budgets, is another opportunity for our elected officials and leaders to demonstrate to their constituents and all people of Guyana that they can, and will, work in the interest of the nation.
“Since the presentation of Budget 2014, a week ago, civil society groups and stakeholders have added their voices, shared their concerns and expressed overwhelmingsupport for the measures in Budget 2014.
“These are the voices that the members of the august Assembly are ultimately representing. Let us act prudently, responsibly and intelligently in the interest of these persons whom we are elected to represent.
“Let us ensure that the single mother who commits diligently to sending her children to school receives government support via the National School Feeding and Uniform Programmes; the cottage farmer who depends on electricity to grow his business is provided with affordable and accessible electricity; the health care providers in our hinterland communities who depend on accessible roads and bridges to deliver vital medications, that our future generation of children have a clean, health environment because of initiatives like the Low Carbon Development Strategy.
“Herein lies another opportunity for the National Assembly to demonstrate that, despite our political differences, we are a people who can work together in the interest of moving our country forward, in unity, and with unquestioning resolve.
“Budget 2014, like those before under the PPP/C Government, is a reflection of its policy to foster economic, social and infrastructural development throughout all sectors. This PPP/C Government has repeatedly and consistently demonstrated its commitment to the people of Guyana with each year’s budget being larger than the previous one.
“Each and every Guyanese has a role to play in developing this nation, members of the National Assembly no less.
‘Let us demonstrate from this high office of the National Assembly, that we will not play political football with another year’s budget. Let us demonstrate that we can work together from the hallowED chambers of the National Assembly to build a Better Guyana for all Guyanese,” the Finance Minister concluded.