Dear Editor,
AS I listened to the debate on the 2022 budget, it was easy to discern those who were intent on being unco-operative and unsupportive. The ministers of the government and the Members of Parliament on the PPP/C side of the House displayed absolute brilliance with the most impressive and factual presentations. This was beautiful. I saw the determination in their presentation. Their passion for the development of Guyana was evident. Never before have I been so proud of my elected leaders.
On the other hand, the political opposition — the A Partnership for National Unity — and their trusted sidekick, the Alliance For Change, as expected, continued in their anti-progressive nature. It was the APNU+AFC whilst in Government who demonstrated clearly to Guyana that they have no vision or even the slightest clue as to how to run this country.
Yesterday’s budget debate began without a Leader of the Opposition. This predicament is as a result of the internal squabbling of the PNC/R. In their directionless state, the political opposition has long since signalled their displeasure with the 2022 budget. This is highly unfortunate as the 2022 budget dubbed “historic and transformational” is intended to ease the burden faced by the people of Guyana, even taking into consideration the global pandemic and its effects.
On day one, Opposition’s MP, Ms. Amanza Walton Desir, who started off the debate, was highly theatrical in her presentation. Aside from having a good sense of fashion, the opening speaker of the opposition rambled senselessly on a number of issues she clearly intended to deceive Guyana on.
As the day proceeded, the nation saw exactly how a political opposition functions without a leader. This does not go to say that had there been an opposition leader at the start of the debate that the outcome would have been any better.
Guyana as a developing nation is transforming. As highlighted in the presentation of the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who said: “Budget 2022 will be truly transformative. It will be the first of several budgets that propel us into the ranks of developed countries, with a standard and quality of living that Guyanese have dreamed of for generations. It will propel all of us.” This budget will see all of Guyana developing and this is the starting point.
Another government Member of Parliament, Mr. Seepaul Narine, in his contribution said, “Budget 2022, I believe, has not missed any area of national life. Every man, woman and child will gain from Budget 2022. This is the nature of the PPP/C, which ensures that development is all-round and no one is left out.” He further stressed the fact that this year’s budget is another manifestation of the PPP/C Government’s unyielding commitment to unlock the nation’s potential and improve the wellbeing of citizens.
These are but a few accurate representations of Budget 2022. It is only the 31 members of the failed APNU+AFC that cannot see the tremendous thought and vision that birthed and compiled Budget 2022. This is because they are visionless, and as a result, it is evident in the way they operate in and out of the National Assembly.
Yours sincerely,
Alvin Hamilton
