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Uncle David Granger is ready to cut!

Nov 06, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
As a concerned citizen, I am writing to highlight a position the Opposition Leader of a Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Mr. David Granger recently declared about the 2014 budgetary allocations for the National Communication Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA).
These media outlets should be operating as public entities safeguarded by the democratic constitution of the Republic of Guyana and not under political constraints.
In a news conference on October 25, 2013, Mr. Granger firmly stated that potential funds to these two media networks can be “slashed again and these cuts were driven out of principles.” Mr. Granger must be very prescient about the entities’ 2014 budgetary appropriations because it is apparent he is prepared to cut regardless. What political principle is that? Do the political standards and principles differ only in APNU?  Mr. Granger mentioned that changes must be seen in these networks. However, the Opposition Leader did not say what changes he would make to foster his unwarranted claims.
I would have thought, Mr. Granger might have outlined a plan for these changes and their implementations to better serve the Guyanese public. Rather, the Opposition Leader sternly expressed the view and intent to “cut” because he finds these changes necessary. Since these entities are governmental, precedence must be granted to the ruling government.  Mr. Granger, a man of political significance must have some concrete support for these assertions; especially when they are threatening contents of the budget.
Budget 2014 is perhaps now in its formulating stages and Mr. Granger has already expressed an explicit intent to “cut.” Are these encouraging political indicators to mobilize Guyana forward? Guyanese must scrutinize these statements and question the political objectivities in them.
The Opposition’s political posture on the matter only reinforces the division it inflicts on Guyana and highlights its lack of collaboration.
APNU’s outlook on cutting the budget emerged solely to undermine the current government; the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s plans and derail development. As Guyanese, we must resist the APNU’s futile political partition and work united to enhance the welfare of our country.
Thereon, Guyana’s growth and development must be the focal point of attention, not Mr. Granger and APNU’s baseless aim to unjustifiably cut the budget.
Minister Anil Nandlall’s pronouncements were vindicated by Chief Justice Ian Chang’s ruling that the National Assembly and the legislative oppositions do not have the power to cut the budget. Justice Chang also in his ruling stated, that the Opposition stance on cutting the budget is unconstitutional and unlawful. So yet again, the Oppositions is traversing territory contrary to the Constitution of Guyana.
The Constitution is the supreme doctrine of the land and its principles drive a democratic nation.
In addition, the Opposition Leader also indicated that his shadow Finance Minister Mr. Carl Greenidge has not yet been invited by the incumbent Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh to formulate the structure of budget 2014.
I would encourage Dr. Ashni Singh to invite Mr. Greenidge to participate in consultation of budget 2014 but not to “hammer out the framework” as Mr. Granger wishes. The Opposition Leader should instruct Mr. Greenidge to be prepared for consultation, rather than express the intent to cut the budget. It is unmerited and unlawful for Mr. Granger to impose his position to amend the allocations of a budget he has not yet seen.
Without a doubt, come 2016 we must look forward to voting for “principled” government that will embrace the constitution. Guyanese must ensure that these baseless and unlegislated “cuts” are not replicated.  It is time Guyana move onward irrespective of our colour or creed.
We must stand united as Guyanese with the notion of “one people, one nation and one destiny” with common goals to mobilize our country and enhance the lives of all Guyanese.
Mahendra Hariraj

 

 

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