Latest update April 13th, 2025 6:34 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Budgets viewed as a kind of circus

Mar 04, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
Parliament has just signed yet once more another budget into action after the customary marathon debate, the 2011 and largest budget ever – $161 billion. Presentations galore across the floor: “Mr. Speaker”, “Mr. Speaker”, uttered ad infinitum from one “Honorable Member” to another. I do believe that the word honorable doth, loses somewhat its full value during these debates.
I have mentioned before that I have come to view budgets as a kind of circus (meaningless indulgence; hallow parliamentary formality which appears to be cast in stone, since nothing, no input from the opposition, no matter how sound, how valuable, how logical, is ever taken into consideration or acknowledged, unless it is in favour/support, not one iota whatsoever. The budget is presented as perfect and flawless, made to our true measurement, hence the absurdity in disagreeing.
But the Finance Minister singling out of AFC leader Raphael Trotman as the solitary voice that transcend cheap politics as being magnanimous in his presentation by recognising the positives of the Government and giving credit where credit is due was also arresting and interesting. He regrets that other opposition members are not so inclined to follow his example of mature politics above petty ramblings.
And so I thought to myself: what if this magnanimous, open mindedness as displayed by Mr. Trotman could be reciprocated by the Governmen Ministers and the Finance Minister in particular, as not to see himself/budget as infallible; to equally accede/concede to valid points, criticism, flaws, errors or weakness therein.
Surely this would have a stimulating, healthy effect, make the debate much more substantial and meaningful and less domineering and bigoted but, indeed honorable. Dr. Ashni Singh should not scold other members of the opposition for being narrow minded in debating the budget while himself and colleagues behave no better. The magnanimous gesture that Mr. Trotman was applauded for was good but would mean nothing if it is not reciprocated when deserving.
Frank Fyffe

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| April, 11th, 2025

 

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Runsfest ends in draw, as arch rivals play hearts out

Runsfest ends in draw, as arch rivals play hearts out

Apr 13, 2025

2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 7…GHE vs. TTRF Kaieteur Sports- Guyana Harpy Eagles played to a draw against long-time rivals, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force yesterday at the Queen’s...
Read More
Guyana Harpy Eagles trio fined for breaching Cricket West Indies code of conduct during final round of the West Indies Championship

Guyana Harpy Eagles trio fined for breaching...

Apr 13, 2025

Sport Ministry injects $3M into EDFA League

Sport Ministry injects $3M into EDFA League

Apr 13, 2025

GCB President meets U15 team ahead of Regional showdown

GCB President meets U15 team ahead of Regional...

Apr 13, 2025

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, Guyana Cup 2025, set for August 17 at Rising Sun

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, Guyana...

Apr 13, 2025

Week 3 of East Bank FA Boys’ U14 League shines with talent and passion

Week 3 of East Bank FA Boys’ U14 League shines...

Apr 13, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]