–Minister Edghill tells APNU+AFC in response to ‘factless’ rhetoric; points to continuous plans to modernise, transform and secure Guyana’s future

THE $1.146 trillion Budget 2024 is a “catalyst for growth” in Guyana, as it continues the process of modernising, transforming and securing the country’s future so that every citizen and their families have better lives.

This was according to Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill during his defence of the 2024 budget in the National Assembly, on Thursday.

The minister strongly defended the $236.1 billion which was allotted to his ministry.

In this sum, $ 204.1 billion is allocated to roads and bridges; $ 2.3 billion to air transport; $8.1 billion for river transport and $6.9 billion for sea and river defence.

“With the provisions made by Budget 2024, the latent potentials of our people are being discovered, organised and mobilised all across the country,” the minister said.

Aligning with the budget’s theme: “Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for All,” the minister highlighted investments to address the “new paradigm of accelerated development” Guyana is currently undergoing.

“We cannot continue to refer to ourselves as old Guyana. We are modernising and transforming Guyana,” the minister said.

He also addressed heckling from Opposition parliamentarians that the budget places an uneven emphasis on capital investments while neglecting the pressing needs of the nation.

In dismissing the “fact-less” claims, Edghill explained to the House that unlike the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), the goal and mission of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is to “modernise and transform Guyana.”

According to Edghill, unlike the coalition administration which had no vision and no roadmap, the PPP/C is only moving Guyana and the lives of every citizen forward.

Edghill highlighted the government’s approach to formulating decisions and interventions based on the question, “Does this benefit the people?”

“In every region in every community, the president, the cabinet, and all of their officers can be seen engaging people. So, when we come to this house and present it’s because we listen, and we respond… Our actions and interventions are always people centred,” he said.

Minister Edghill stressed the importance of considering the impact on citizens when presenting projects, programmes, and policies.

Edghill responded to criticisms, specifically addressing claims about budget allocations favouring the contractor class.

He referenced the distribution of funds across various sectors, signalling benefits to ordinary citizens, including small business owners, mechanics, taxi drivers, and more.

In response to the Opposition’s claims of excessive spending on infrastructural projects, Edghill defended the investments in infrastructure as a necessary step for overall development.

The minister also underscored the indispensable role of infrastructural development in national progress.

Contrary to claims of neglecting the immediate concerns of the people, he emphasised the administration’s commitment to improving both physical and social infrastructure.

WE ARE CAPITALISING

“We are not splurging, we are capitalising,” he said as he responded to the heckling from the other side of the room.

Edghill also defended the emphasis on infrastructural development in the budget, asserting that it contributes to reducing the cost of living.

He used examples such as building bridges and improving transportation to argue for long-term economic benefits and increased opportunities for citizens.

In response to a concern about lacking Wi-Fi on transportation vessels, Edghill expressed a commitment to enhancing services.

He mentioned plans to install Wi-Fi on other vessels,such as the ones the MV MA Lisha, a vessel serving Region One, showcasing the government’s responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

The minister discussed regional developments, including housing projects, road maintenance, along with sea and river defences.

He said that the Parika Stelling is set to undergo major rehabilitation works, while the building of the New Demerara Harbour Bridge connectivity from Regions Three and Four will be like never before.

“Look at what is happening in Georgetown,” the minister said as he drew attention to the Independence Boulevard, (which was also called, ‘Punt Trench Dam’), the Kingston Seawall and more.

“All those of you who say you are representatives of Georgetown must go through Independence Boulevard on a Saturday and Sunday to see how the people are enjoying the new development… thousands of people are there,” he said to loud applause from his fellow MPs.

The 1.8 kilometres (km) project, which starts from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road, entails the construction of a three-lane carriageway with concrete drains and culverts, along with a three-metre-wide paved walkway, with lights, a garden and seats.

Edghill urged citizens to witness the positive transformations in their regions for themselves and not to be misled by the Opposition, whom, he said, scrutinised the budget without adding any factual or substantive.

He also called out the APNU+AFC MP Devin Sears, whom, he said, was not “honest” during his presentation when he criticised the budget.

“If the APNU MP is honest about not liking the budget, he can take out the 62 concrete roads currently being built in Linden by the PPP/C government, and the several other asphaltic concrete roads being built in Linden because we are spending the budget money in Linden,” the minister said.

He added that the APNU+AFC MPs must not criticise the budget to halt the progress, which is being made, to do so, he said would be detrimental to the lives of Guyanese.

“If you do not want us to spend the people’s money on navigational aids, if you do not want us to purchase new vessels, if you do not want us to maintain the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge while we are building the new river crossing- stand up and tell us now!,” he said.

Before he left the podium, the minister said that the PPP/C government will continue to deliver with efficiency and give the Guyanese people value for money.