OVER the past weeks, the PPP Government has been trying to navigate the difficult circumstances that Guyanese are facing as a direct result of the cost of living increases caused by international factors.

Additionally, the PPP Government announced an adjustment of the excise tax on fuel from 20 per cent to zero. That, coupled with the range of taxation measures that it is instituting at the Guyana Revenue Authority, will see the burden of the cost of living decreasing significantly in the short-term on the businesses and ordinary citizens.

The PPP Government is also tackling the spiraling prices for commodities, other goods, and services, through the regional hosting of the farmers market and agriculture interventions to meet legitimate farmers’ demands where possible.

Also, the PPP Government is causing the temporary employment of persons of every household to help families cope with the challenges brought on by the cost of living increases.

These families will each get remunerated when they join the skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workforce, helping out with the development of the country. There are several legislative and other developments happening. The government has already begun plans for tapping into the $5B to bring direct relief to consumers, customers and businesses.

So, the concerns of ordinary citizens and the business community are not being ignored or falling on deaf ears. But that did not stop Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, from being a political opportunist and seeking public attention by seeking to pilot a cost of living motion in the National Assembly. Ferguson wants the PPP Government to dole out $200,000 to every Guyanese 18 years and older, quarterly, to cope with the cost of living pressures that are prevailing until the situation gets under control.

In other words, give away the money in direct cash transfers to the people.
This move is a most senseless and un-academic approach to solving the problems that are currently confronting Guyana. Some economists would even say Ferguson’s motion is financially absurd. They say it will make Guyana into a welfare-dependent State.

For argument’s sake, giving Guyanese more free money or causing an increase in their pay or salaries will not solve the problems associated with the cost of living in the short-term or long- term. If anything, it will drive up the inflation rate and prices would stay at the prevailing levels if they do not continue the upward trend in the economy.

Life will not become easier but harder. Doesn’t the MP understand this basic assumption in Economics 101? Or is it that she or her partners do not understand finance and money management concerning cost of living?
In any way, where is the government going to find the money to implement such a move. Hopefully, she is not thinking about tapping into the oil and gas fund or money.

The PPP Government knows having more money will not help Guyanese and solve the problems associated with demand and supply and the economic situation.
For the cash grants to work, they must be conditional or have the desired outcome like the case of the PPP Government’s cash grant for school children, COVID-19, farmers and health care or frontline workers. It takes a special kind of intelligence to comprehend how such a motion in the current form and language could ever deal with the realities of the cost of living concerns.

Did the motion have the blessings of Ferguson’s colleagues in the APNU+AFC or the PNC for that matter?
Did the so-called experts on everything except finance, Juretha Fernandes or Winston Jordan, see the motion?

The truth is, the National Assembly is too important to have these half-baked and sometimes poor opposition motions presented for debates. These motions must be checked to see if they make sense. Ferguson must do the homework and come to the House with ideas that have not been thought of as yet or are revolutionary in form and outcome.

Lastly, this motion was devised in someone’s backyard and only brought to the House for political mileage and opportunism. It seems like the mindset of the PNC-led Coalition is wrapped up in this work of notoriety, and that is, just to think of money and ways to make Guyana not great but impoverished.

It is sad because Ferguson’s level of intellect is on the line. Notwithstanding, she already has the dark cloud circling over her head concerning the scandals with golden bracelets, pins, furniture, and gifts allegedly during her sad term as a Minister of Government.
The motion is missing the mark!