THE 2014 National Budget is definitely a people-focused Budget, which is highly reflective of its theme ‘A better Guyana for all Guyanese’. The PPP/C administration is known to present people-centred budgets since 1993 anyway.The Hon. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, MP, and his team ought to be congratulated for the preparation of Budget 2014 which realistically and in detail sets out the government’s financial plans to achieve continued socio-economic growth for the year 2014.
Our country’s $220B budget for 2014 is therefore designed to ensure that Guyana’s economy grow by 5.6% in 2014. But the continued growth of Guyana’s economy is highly reflective of excellent management by the government under the leadership of President Donald Ramotar.
I am impressed and satisfied with the budgetary allocations given to the various sectors of our country, which will certainly enhance Guyana’s betterment. In fact all Guyanese will benefit from Budget 2014, and what I am most happy about is that the parents of public school children will be receiving an annual allowance and our pensioners continue to receive pension increases.
Finally, Guyana’s indigenous peoples continue to remain the focus of our government, where budgetary allocations will be channelled towards their social and economic empowerment. In this regard, the information I am currently receiving from Amerindian communities is that Budget 2014 must be passed in Parliament without amendments since these can negatively affect the Guyanese people. The parliamentary (PNC/APNU & AFC) must take note.
PETER PERSAUD