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The Opposition was not adequately consulted on 2014 budget
– There will be cuts where necessary – Granger
Leader of the political opposition, Mr. David Granger is saying that both parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) were not adequately consulted on the 2014 budget.
David Granger
Granger is of the strong view that prior consultations would prevent collisions on the budget. “It is quite likely that since we were not properly consulted that there will be disagreements over the 2014 budget when it is brought to the National Assembly.”
Several cuts were made by the Parliamentary Opposition to the 2012 and 2013 budgets which were estimated by the Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh. The matter was taken to the High Court by the People’s Progressive Party where it is still being heard.
In an interview with this publication, Granger said, “During 2013, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan (Leader of the AFC) and I were given a commitment from since early in July to have discussions on the 2014 budget. There had been some exchange between the Shadow Minister of Finance, Mr. Carl Greenidge and the Finance Minister, Dr. Singh but those were not consultations. Now the budget is far ahead in work. We were not adequately consulted so our contribution to the budget is not as we would have expected.”
Furthermore, “If certain things in the 2014 budget are not in the public’s interest then we will cut where necessary. We have made our position clear on certain issues and our position will remain the same, which is that we will continue to act in manner that represents the people of this country. We want a budget that promotes the well being of all, one that is in the people’s interest. “
Also commenting on the issue was Financial Analyst, Mr. Ramon Gaskin. Gaskin posits that consultations on the budget
Ramon Gaskin
are of paramount importance as is inscribed in the Constitution of Guyana. He stressed that consultations with the opposition should have occurred so that there can be a better flow when the budget is brought to the Parliament. He added, “Consultations should have been done a long time ago and the fact that they were not adequately consulted speaks volumes about how much the government really cares about having a budget that supports the economic development of this country.”
“However, because the government has failed to do this, the 2014 budget will run into trouble just like the ones for the past two years. The government’s stubbornness will cost them. Moreover, the court should have made a decision on the 2012, 2013 budget cuts already. It is time for the final ruling since the 2014 budget is coming up soon.”
Meanwhile, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr. Clinton Urling has said that his sector will certainly be making proposals for allocations towards the Guyana Police Force, more funding for the strengthening of Parliament as well as for political compromise.
“There is a dire need for political compromise on the 2014 budget or else we would not have a budget that is good and one that serves the people.”
Urling also expressed that the Chamber will be meeting with other members of the Private Sector Commission and a public missive will be released soon on their plans for the 2014 budget.
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