BUDGET 2019 will be presented in the National Assembly today (November 26) by Finance Minister Winston Jordan with high expectations from the Opposition, trade unions, private sector and most importantly, the citizens.

The Guyana Chronicle asked people on the streets of Georgetown and on social media for their expectations from the budget.

Jason Moe – “I would like to see the greening of more buildings and agencies, I expect the teachers’ salaries to be wholly inclusive, and so too for the public servants at large. Sufficient funds should be there for the armed forces since it seems as though there’s a spike in the crime rate.”

Delisia Foo – “I would like to see the public servant to be paid better, a raise in the pension for the elderly and persons with disabilities and a budget that is going to benefit the Guyanese’s economy.”

Aunty Pam – “The vendors like me have to survive and I hope they don’t raise the cost of living or tax.”

Steven Vickerie – Reporter – “I’m expecting a budget with less tax because when they (Government) increase their fee on certain services like passport, it really hurt a lot of people. I mostly expect a budget with no skimping out on certain things, if the money is there- spend it! It must not be a budget to fluff persons up and get them mobilised for 2020. It must be an honest budget with honest spending.”

Susan Hollingsworth – “I expect the 2019 budget to be beneficial to all the public servants and to provide a better life for all Guyanese.”

Commy Heyliger – “ I expect something decent to be done for the education system like fixing the University of Guyana and their fees…Billions are being invested in education yet, tuition fees are being increased over a period and yet the services offered do not match the price.”

Tashanna Gill  – “I expect an all-rounded budget which will tackle all areas of society where more money should be placed into the education system and public security. Additionally [there should be] a drop in the fuel prices and more job allocation.”