Budget does not inspire change for the better – PNCR

Jan 26, 2011 News

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“We are certainly not building tomorrow’s Guyana today,” said Executive Member of the People’s National Congress/Reform, Cheryl Sampson, as she highlighted the glaring limitations of what has been regarded as the largest budget in recent time.
Her comments were unleashed last evening as the budget debate continued.
During her presentation, Sampson categorically stated that the budget which was presented last week Monday by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, does not inspire a vision of a transformed country, neither does it give citizens the hope that tomorrow’s Guyana will be better than the crime, unemployment and poverty, of yesterday.
She explained that the budget should have been one that demonstrates the capacity to transform the lives of citizens and not merely prove to be a mechanism to keep an entire nation on life support
“The increased rate of old age pension translates to $247 per day; certainly not enough to pay for one let alone three meals per day,” Sampson asserted as she highlighted the glaring limitations of the budget.
Pensioners, according to her, are forced to resort to begging to supplement the meagre pension they are in receipt of on a monthly basis from the government.
“You only have to check out the large numbers who on Fridays go from one business place to another to collect those little coins… The traffic lights in the city of Georgetown have their own clients. In many cases the small old age pension is their only income.”
“Think of how much $7,500 can buy, certainly not a basket of nutritional items, especially when the unconscionable Value Added Tax (VAT) lurks in the way,” Sampson added.
The PNCR Executive Member further sought to highlight the plight of teachers and public servants who are currently in their late 70s and 80s, revealing that when these persons would have retired from active duty their salaries were small and cost of living was not that high.
And although they would have benefited from the five percent increases over the years, their pensions are still very small when compared to someone who would have retired now at the same level.
Sampson said that in recognition of this dilemma, the PNCR is urging that this depressing situation be addressed with great urgency. And although the laws governing the Poor Law Relief Act stipulate that a review must be done every six months, Sampson asserted that the review being done leaves much to be desired.
“Who or what improves the conditions or situations of a person who is born mentally, physically or visually challenged?  Why are such persons not being considered for public assistance after the six-month period?” Sampson questioned. She revealed that in order for some persons to get assistance they are made to wait a long time and sometimes even literally fight for this support.
In a compassionate tone, the PNCR MP brought to the attention of the House that “we are in a society where HIV/AIDS has taken its toll. Where will the guardians or grandmothers of those who have passed away turn to when the review denies them of being a recipient?”
“To whom should the children of the 200-odd men who lost their lives on the streets of Guyana turn to for help when they are denied public assistance after review? Where should the destitute who have increased significantly over the years go when they too are denied public assistance?”
In fact, Sampson explained that persons who are physically challenged need a more comprehensive assistance plan since they cannot exist alone on public assistance. And the visually impaired children, she added, need an educational facility to cater to their unique needs. She revealed that often they are placed in the normal school situation and have great difficulties coping.
As such, Sampson noted that much more attention should be paid to them by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. There are complains, she said, emanating from some areas, including Regions Six and 10, of unprofessional behaviour of some members of the Boards of Guardians.
She pointed out that there have been instances when very personal and impolite questions are asked as well as rude comments made.
“Women are told to go find the fathers of their children…Mr Speaker, when we think of the plight of these persons how can we hope for them to build tomorrow’s Guyana today?”
According to Sampson, a budget should be a financial plan which sets out to do more than just spend a huge sum of money so that the architects can boast that it is bigger than ever, especially at a time when poverty is the reality for many.

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