Latest update February 10th, 2025 5:23 AM
Budget debate… Opposition stages walkout during Volda Lawrence presentation
Opposition seats remain empty during the presentation by Minister Volda Lawrence
As soon as the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland announced that the Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, was going to take the floor to make her contribution to the 2015 budget debate, the political opposition walked out.
They retreated to the Members’ Lounge of the Parliament and refused to divulge to reporters, why they opted not to listen to the Government Parliamentarian.
Twenty minutes later, PPP Member of Parliament, Vindhya Persaud was the only one from the opposition side who returned to the House. She was slated to deliver her remarks after Lawrence.
When it was her turn to take the floor, the rest of the members of the opposition’s camp returned to support their colleague.
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo later in the day told media operatives that the purpose for the walkout was to conduct “a very urgent meeting that simply couldn’t wait”. He gave the impression that it was mere coincidence that their meeting concluded the very minute Persaud took the floor to deliver her presentation on the 2015 Budget.
The walkout by the PPP did not in any way daunt the spirit of the Minister of Social Protection.
She threw her support behind the 2015 budget, stating that it embodies the underlying goal of social protection which is the achievement of a good life, free from the ravages of poverty.
Lawrence also told members of the House that her ministry will pursue a six-point action plan which includes an early childhood development programme, improved benefits for pensioners, and programmes for the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.
(Kiana Wilburg)
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