Latest update April 28th, 2026 12:30 AM
Govt. engages stakeholders on crafting of 2013 budget
Government has announced moves to involve stakeholders and communities in helping to draft the 2013 National Budget.
On Friday, a government statement indicated that Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce (Ag.), Irfaan Ali, met with members of the private sector including the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Private Sector Commission (PSC), Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GM&SA), Aircraft Owners Association, and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).
According to the Minister, President Donald Ramotar’s administration strongly believes in collaboration, and it is anticipated that the National Budget 2013 will reflect how all stakeholders see the country progressing.
During this year, other meetings were held with members of the private sector where many issues were brought up and representation made. However, now is the time to work out, in some detail, the implications they will have on policy and the economy.
Ali noted that similar meetings will be held with the consumer-related bodies, including the Consumer Association and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), thereby giving a holistic perspective on issues as seen by stakeholders.
“We do not want Budget 2013 to be bogged down. In my opinion, this wide approach is necessary in ensuring that it (Budget) is given consideration in Parliament based on merit and the reflection of where the people see us as a country moving forward,” Ali asserted.
He also made reference to a statement made by the President of the GCCI, Clinton Urling, that Parliament should be the entity that seeks to push national development and not one that curtails same.
Minister Ali also noted that the discussions will cover a range of areas that affect industries such as tourism, commerce, and other matters the private sector deems important to national development.
PSC Chairman, Ron Webster, made it clear that it is pointless to be “sitting on the fence” after the fact and speculating about what should have been included in the budget, when the opportunity exists for stakeholders to make an impact from the onset.
He highlighted that one of the things the private sector would like to see in the budget is investment in tourism, particularly eco-tourism, since this is one of the areas wherein lies tremendous growth opportunities.
Webster noted that eco-tourism has many spin-off benefits relating to art and craft. He recalled that many years ago, Guyana had some outstanding artists whose work was recognised globally, and while this has lagged a bit, investments in tourism present the opportunity to revive that.
The business executive also said that efforts need to be made towards attracting and maintaining skilled workers, and ports of entry need to be optimised.
GCCI Chairman Clinton Urling noted that the meeting was very important and called on other stakeholders to get involved in the consultations and engagements with the government.
He recalled that earlier this year the budget presentations were played out as if it were a theatre, with both sides being undecided on what items to keep and those to cut.
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