–Pearson calls out Opposition Parliamentarians for peddling misinformation on Budget 2024

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian, Yvonne Pearson, on Tuesday called out the Opposition for misrepresenting the facts to the public during their presentations and for their portrayal that Budget 2024 was built on “sinking sand.”

Addressing the National Assembly, Pearson asserted: “Budget 2024 is built with rock, hard cement, with sand, a good mixture, and the builders are the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.”

Pearson responded to criticisms from opposition members, including Roysdale Forde and Khemraj Ramjattan, who described the budget using metaphors such as “sinking sand” and “cement and sand.”

She defended the trillion-dollar budget, highlighting that it is founded on solid ground unlike those under the APNU+AFC government which was built on a foundation of poor planning and policies.

The Indigenous leader also took issue with the opposition’s newfound concern for the Amerindian peoples, particularly regarding poverty rates.
Pearson challenged the accuracy of their claims, asking: “How do they measure poverty? And what did they do when they were there [in government] to address the poverty of the Indigenous Peoples?”

In her address, Pearson corrected assertions made by the opposition, providing details from the Auditor General’s report on issues such as the Hinterland School Feeding Programme and the receipt, storage, and distribution of textbooks to schools.

She called for a commitment to presenting accurate information in the National Assembly, stating: “When we come to the House, we must come with facts.”

She specifically addressed inaccuracies presented by opposition members, providing corrections based on the Auditor General’s report.

One of the key points of contention was the Hinterland School Feeding Programme which was criticised by Opposition MP, Ronald Cox, who had presented the day prior.

Pearson clarified: “Mr. Cox should have said the period of reporting.”

She pointed out that the reporting period covered from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022, underscoring the significance of presenting information within the correct context.
Pearson further corrected assertions made by the opposition regarding the receipt, storage, and distribution of textbooks to schools.

Highlighting the need for accurate timelines, she stated: “Mr. Speaker, when we come to the House, we must come with facts,” underscoring the importance of transparency and precision in parliamentary discussions.

Pearson did not mince words in challenging what she referred to as a “wilful act” by the opposition to mislead. She asserted that such actions would not undermine the progress achieved under the current government.

By pinpointing discrepancies in the opposition’s statements, she aimed to uphold the integrity of the parliamentary process and ensure that citizens receive accurate information about the government’s initiatives.

Pearson passionately outlined positive developments in agriculture and other sectors in her region, Region Two, attributing these advancements to the PPP/C.

She highlighted initiatives such as land drainage and irrigation, the cultivation of high-value crops and the establishment of the cage-culture fishing project.

Pearson also commended Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton for his efforts in providing training programmes that empower individuals, including women, with various skills.

She urged the opposition to engage in constructive dialogue and encouraged them to reach out to their constituents for accurate information.

Pearson also highlighted the need for unity, stating: “Gone are the days when indigenous peoples were left behind, so don’t come and cry here, sir. We are the front- line. Let us take our rightful position in the frontline.”