APNU/AFC’s Budget 2019 failed to address the depressed communities

Dec 18, 2018 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

The Theme of the 2019 Budget ‘Transforming the Economy, Empowering People, Building Sustainable Communities for a Good Life’, can be considered impressive, if those objectives outlined can be achieved throughout the length and breadth of this shattered nation, after almost four years of mismanagement and incompetence of the APNU/AFC coalition government.
This administration has elevated incompetence to the highest possible level where “incompetence” is being worshipped, by the President, Prime Minister, Ministers of Government, APNU/AFC Members of Parliament, whenever and wherever their speeches, attempt to glorify the perceived “good life “.
The leader of the opposition Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and opposition Members of Parliament highlighted the inefficiencies, deficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement that existed in the 2019 Budget. The Budget presentation by the Opposition Leader has expanded the cracks to now huge holes.
Region Six can be considered the most affected region in the entire country, since the targeted demolition of the two sugar estates (Rose Hall and Skeldon) leaving its 5,000 workers at the breadline. The people of Region Six were hoping that this 300.7 billion-dollar Budget would have at least initiated the revitalization of the sugar industries, subsidized the water or electricity or even created investments that would assist in absorbing the thousands of laid-off workers in Region six.
The sugar workers’ situation is worsening every passing day. For example, a few days ago, the water supply for sugar workers (Rose Hall Estate) of Canefield, East Canje was disconnected by GWI for a meagre $3000 dollars, and would need $7000 dollars to be reconnected. With increasing pressure, it can be considered “criminal”, by this government.
The central government continues to trample regional authorities in executing projects in the region because of the fear of the region, exposing their corruption. Millions are being spent for the installation and maintenance of streetlights in Region Six, but unfortunately as soon as you cross the Berbice Bridge, a road block welcomes you, but only three of the fifteen street lights are working. As such, you cannot even see the police or the road barriers during the night.
What is even worse is at the Canje Bridge, only five of twenty lights are in working order; the nurses from New Amsterdam Public Hospital use this bridge almost every night. Unfortunately, the various ministers blame the regional authorities for their deficiencies.
This Government is trying to build a first world country on a donkey cart economy. Ross Perot said, “The Budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, the public debt should be reduced and the arrogance of public officials should be controlled”.

Regards
Zamal Hussain

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