The true nature of the government in hard times

Jun 03, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

One is not surprised that our government has yet again stepped in when it was necessary to do so. So, it is most welcoming to learn that it has announced that “… close to $2B in relief for mining community…” has been earmarked. As we all know, during times of crisis, governments around the world must act quickly and decisively, even in the face of limited information and resources. All of us are realising the implications of rising food prices, and many governments have already instituted food subsidies, imposed price controls, restricted exports, and cut import duties. Some governments, like ours, have increased cash transfers to the hungry, and in some cases, there was limited use of feeding and nutrition programmes.
This $2B relief package is yet another example of a caring and cognisant government, and it is just one of a series of government interventions, all aimed at providing necessary relief, in response to the rise in cost of living and cost of production. Also, it is testimony to, and in fulfillment of the PPP/C’s manifesto promise. All adding up to show that the leadership of the country is in good hands.
In terms of this input, it means a couple of important things. These are $2.4B to be spent on upgrading roads in mining areas, a reduction of final tax from 3.5 percent to 2.5 percent, and the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Lubricating Oils. What must be grasped is that “In addition to the benefits to the mining industry, this will have an impact on almost all of the productive sectors of the country.” The Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who made the disclosure, pointed out that with the “Removal of the 10 percent Tributors Tax, included in the relief measure, there will be benefits for thousands of workers in the industry, and this will result in about $300 million being returned to them.”
One must remember, that in reading the times, the world is going to be in for quite a spell, “Government (in pre-emptive mood), had announced that $5 billion was allocated in Budget 2022 to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living, which is (now) due in part to constant rise in oil prices on the world market and which affects every aspect of life.” I repeat that this is one of the features of a good government and good governance. One can easily remember that, “Since taking office, government has introduced several measures to put more disposable income in the pockets of Guyanese. From the onset, Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed from water and electricity, and there has also been the constant increase in old-age pension and public assistance, with that alone in 2022, some $2.3 billion and $432 million were placed into the pockets of Guyanese.
One can go on and enumerate many cases of these timely and prudent interventions from the government, and they will all bear the truth, that is, that our land, even amidst trying times, is being well looked after. So, I’ll close with what took place in September 2021. As can be remembered, that was when over 5,000 farmers from Region Five received assistance to return to the land, thanks to the largesse of the government. The contribution then was $7.8 billion in a huge flood relief package to farmers who were seriously affected during the recent flooding.
One can be assured, that with this kind of acumen and concern, all Guyana will be able to emerge on top when things return to at least a semblance of normalcy.

Yours truly,
H. Singh

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