BUDGET ADDRESSES A FAILURE OF THE PPP, GIVES MORE DISPOSABLE INCOME TO WORKERS

Aug 16, 2015 Features / Columnists, From the Diaspora

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By Ralph Seeram
Some of my criticisms of past PPP government were its failure to address issues affecting the working class, especially in the area of delivery of services to the public.
The PPP was so focused on grand projects, like the Hydro Project, new Airport, and Marriot etc. and there was nothing wrong with that approach, but they lost sight of the grievance of the working class; the everyday problems of the working man and woman.
Shortly after he assumed the Presidency, I had an interview with former President Donald Ramotar, and brought to his attention a pet peeve of mine: – why do people have travel from the top of the Essequibo or from the end of the Corentyne to obtain a passport or birth certificate in Georgetown? I am not even going into other services like licences etc.
As recent as the run up to the May elections, I raised the subject with him again.
This new coalition in just three months in office saw it fit to address this problem. In fact, it provided instant relief to citizens travelling great distances to uplift a passport.
As most Guyanese know, you spend a day just to apply for a passport then waste another day not to mention the travel expense to go back to Georgetown to collect the document.
The new government has decentralized the system, and has budgeted for more passport machines; people in Berbice and Essequibo will be able to obtain their passports at various locations within their respective counties.
Earlier this week the APNU/AFC coalition unveiled their $221B budget, which credit must be given to them, considering only being in office for three months.
The budget fulfils some of the pledges made by the Coalition on the campaign trail and some other surprises.
There is no doubt that Finance Minister Winston Jordan, has made some serious efforts to put extra cash into the pockets of Guyanese.
Starting with the increase in salaries for Public Servants. Raising the monthly salaries from $39.540.00 to $50.000.00, is a substantial increase.
Minister Jordan should be commended for introducing tax credits for mortgage interests. This is common in the United States.
This is going to be a real help to present homeowners with mortgage and an incentive for future home owners. This means that income will only be taxable after the mortgage interests have been deducted.
If they are not yet doing so Banks will have to issue yearly statements as to the amount of interest paid. Here again the government is putting some extra cash in taxpayers’ pockets.
Since I am a Berbician, of interest to me is a reduction of the Berbice River Bridge tolls. $300.00 is a token amount, which to my understanding is just a start. It may not be much, but it is a start. My concern is, will that small savings be passed on to commuters or will hire car drivers keep that for themselves? For instance, for a hire car taking four passengers across the bridge, they should reduce the present fare by $75.00. Question is, will this happen? Well, passengers will have to demand their saving.
The nearly $4000.00 increase in pension will be most welcome by pensioners, coupled with the fact that some restrictions have been removed for them to enjoy subsidized rates on water and electricity. Now I understand the bill merely has to be in their names and not necessarily a property owner.
Honestly, knowing how some Guyanese can be dishonest, I hope we don’t see a sudden transfer of water and electricity bills to Grandpa and Grandma. Please don’t abuse the concession. Tax concessions to miners and a $500.00 increase for uniforms all help to put extra cash back into the pockets of Guyanese.
This column is too small to deal extensively on the budget, but some things are noteworthy.
A $21Billion allocated to the Security Sector of which $9.1 billion is allocated to the police and other related agencies. Now with this kind of expenditure, the Guyanese public should expect and demand better service and protection from the Guyana Police Force.
While there have been some visible improvements in fighting crime, the banditry that the country is experiencing now seems way ahead of the police, who seem more reactive than proactive. Businessmen, large and small, and I must add particularly Indian business persons, are in fear for their lives in Guyana today. This new brand of young criminals is not only robbing but also engage in senseless murder.
Corruption is institutionalized in the Guyana Police Force.
I have argued before in these columns that the Government of the day needs to bring in foreign officers to run the police force, from Police Commissioner down to Assistant Commissioners etc.  Most of the senior officers have been brought up in this corrupt system, and only a foreign face can come in to clean it up; restore integrity to the Force.
If you don’t believe me go ask people in Berbice if they trust the police, for that matter ask anyone in the street if they trust the police.
Overall, it is my view that the Coalition did a good job in this first stop gap budget. After they get over their “teething” problems, the real test will be next year.
Meanwhile, you commuters in Berbice demand your $75.00 reduction in toll fare from your taxi driver.
Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: [email protected] and Facebook

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