Dear Editor,
In one of his most brilliant budget speeches presented to the National Assembly on January 27, 2024, Prime Minister, Honorable Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, told the nation that since taking office three years ago, the PPP/C government led by President Ali has consistently presented budgets to advance the development of the country and the prosperity of all Guyanese now and in the future.
During his presentation, the former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) spoke of the government’s ambitious plans for the fiscal year 2024 and that the $1.146 trillion budget which is the largest ever presented in Guyana is a strategic investment in the country’s foundation for the future.
Unlike some of his colleagues on both sides of the isle who criticise and hurl insults at one another, Prime Minister Phillips would have none of that. Instead, his presentation in Parliament focused on the specific development aspects of the budget and how it would essentially enrich the lives of the people, especially those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
According to Prime Minister Phillips, budget 2024, is a true testimony to the promises made by the PPP/C in that it consists of concrete and detail plans that are part of the government’s comprehensive and widespread proposals and vision for holistic development in the country.
In highlighting the significance and importance of the budget, Brigadier Phillips explained that substantial funds have been allocated to expand and improve infrastructure, which is key to the development of the country to move it from its underdeveloped status to a level of development that would catapult it to the ranks of the Global North countries.
As is evident, the Prime Minister asserted that the huge amount of funds which has been allocated to infrastructure development is of vital importance to create a framework for sustained growth throughout the country, especially in the building and maintenance of roads and bridges, and the expansion of energy projects.
Not only was the PM speech very effective, but it also outlined the financing of every sector ranging from education and health care to agriculture, energy, communications and to social welfare services, among others.
The Prime Minister, who is responsible for the energy sector, cited plans to improve and expand the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) generation capacity to end the incessant power outages in the country and meet the rapid growth and demands of development of several new housing schemes and business expansion projects throughout the country.
Addressing the progress made in the previous year towards the colossal gas-to-energy project, Brigadier Phillips underscores the fact that it is a transformative and sustained project that is on track to be complete by the end of 2025.
As forecasted by some energy experts, the Gas to Shore Project will reduce cost of electricity for the consumers by approximately 50 per cent. And even though it is not as clean as wind or solar power, natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and is considered by many to be a key ingredient as Guyana transitions to a cleaner future.
In the area of telecommunications, the Prime Minister affirmed that significant progress has been made in expanding and upgrading the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to ensure access to more resilient internet access to the residents, especially those who reside in the remote areas of the country so that they can have online services.
In concluding, Prime Minister Phillips has expressed confidence in the budget and the outlook for the country during 2024 and beyond.
He assured the nation that the budget which was well-crafted by the Minister of Finance will definitely expand the economy, increased the country’s GDP, develop the country and improve the lives of the people.
As such, he urged the members of the opposition to end their needless and unnecessary criticism and support the budget in the interest of all Guyanese, regardless of race, status, or party affiliation. He cited President Ali’s “One Guyana” initiative and reminded the opposition that a nation united is strong and powerful, but divided it is weak and powerless.
Brigadier Phillips budget speech is a clear insight of his dedication, commitment, determination and will to build a prosperous Guyana so that everyone can reap the benefits and become successful in their pursuit of happiness. By every measure, he is a judicious thinker and a natural leader. We should be proud of him.
Sincerely,
Dr. Asquith Rose
