BUDGET 2022 is one of the most pleasing, yet strong fiscal policies ever outlined by the Irfaan Ali Administration to date.

It engenders the development aspirations of the country. Also, it delivers the goods and services directly and indirectly to the people.

It is indeed people-oriented, people-centred, and people-focused. It looks like a sterling example of the right fiscal policies, legislative remedies, business measures, and plans that, if implemented properly, will catapult Guyana further along the developmental trajectory.

It would appear that this $553.9B budget has not left out a single thing that is critical to Guyana’s development as an oil-producing nation and the CARICOM region’s breadbasket in terms of agriculture. It focuses heavily on human capital development and natural resources such as gold, bauxite, and other minerals.

This budget seems to have had the full complement of consultation from every entity and group which wanted to propose projects and things that should be done now. It seems as though the 2022 budget, from a glance, cannot be found wanting on decisive policies geared to tackle the concerns of the populace about the increase in the cost of living. In response to this, government has allotted $5B for various measures that have to do with cushioning the cost of living in Guyana. Also, notably, are adjustments in the tax rate on fuel, gasoline, and diesel prices to make them more affordable. It does not stop there! The 2022 budget makes the prices for freight return to pre-pandemic levels.

Apart from this, another laudable measure is that the government raised the tax threshold from $65, 000 to $75,000, which means more disposable income for Guyanese. Sure as day, the Guyana Public Service Union, the Teachers Union, and the Trade Union Congress are gearing up to cry foul because they did not hear anything about salary increases. They were waiting on the Finance Minister to say something about that. So, they can speak about not being consulted and the government showing no respect for the collective labour agreement.

There is a sum of money budgeted for salary increases. Government plans to tap into it, if the collective bargaining agreement process falls through the floor and these entities continue their bias and opposition politics and theatrics. Maybe, another argument is waiting for the PNC-led APNU+AFC and the surrogates.

Additionally, there is an increase again for pensioners from $25,000 to $28,000. This fiscal move is not enough, but look at the bigger picture. Look at all that the government has done for this group of Guyanese in just 18 months. Recall, the restoration of water and electricity subsidies for pensioners and one-off cash grants which amount to millions.

This move to focus on the infrastructure development, road linkages, upgrade and building of new roads and bridges, the education and health of the people, is good and laudable. The fact is that, this year, the budget presented is being fuelled by funds available in the Natural Resources Fund and such is even more appropriate and timely to start the transformation into the future. After all, Guyana will get the benefit for its rich oil resources finally!

Finally, when the budget debates begin Monday, it is hoped that parliamentarians would focus their attention on the measures that address the standard and cost of living in Guyana that the government missed or did not address sufficiently in the estimates.

The opposition parliamentarians must come up with their recommendations and suggestions for making an already good budget, better. They must not oppose, just for opposing sake. They must argue the points they are going to make with the evidence and substance to match.

The truth is, the APNU+AFC Coalition was in power from 2015 to August 2020 and promised the citizens a good life but delivered instead tax upon tax for tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

But this government crafted the budget for the delivery of their manifesto promises, and goods and services to the people which is smart, good and practical. It is based on the theory of realism.

This budget 2022 boasts a footprint of what can be done if there are sober thinkers, parotic builders, political minds, and scholars at the decision-making table, alongside the President of Guyana.
No one was left out and every Guyanese will benefit regardless of how the APNU+AFC politicians shout.