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Recommendations for Inclusion in the 2024 Budget

Jan 04, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concerns and recommendations for crucial areas that I believe should be considered for inclusion in the upcoming 2024 budget. Addressing these issues would not only contribute to the overall well-being of our citizens but also reflect the government’s commitment to the welfare of its people.

Increase in Allowances/Scholarship for Children in Riverine Areas:

Children living in riverine areas face unique challenges, especially those attending schools on the coast or Georgetown. I propose an increase in allowances or scholarships for these children to ensure they have access to quality education. This targeted support can help bridge the gap and promote educational equality across the region.

Daycare Subsidy Enhancement:

The current daycare subsidy provided by the Ministry of Human Services, which amounts to $45,000 for the entire school year, falls short of the average term fee of $35,000. Increasing the daycare subsidy would not only alleviate the financial burden on parents but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting families. A realistic adjustment in this subsidy would undoubtedly show that our government cares about the well-being of its citizens.

More School Buses for Safe Transportation:

Transportation remains a significant concern, particularly for children commuting to and from school. Increasing the number of school buses would not only enhance the safety of our students but also encourage higher attendance rates. This investment in transportation infrastructure is crucial for the overall development of our education system. To avoid more congestion on our roads the government can consider contracting minibus owners and putting clauses in place to ensure decency and laws governing operation of public transportation is enforced.

Extended Maternity Leave and Introduction of Paternity Leave:

Recognising the importance of family values, I propose an extension of maternity leave from the current 3 months to 6 months. Additionally, introducing paternity leave for married couples would allow for shared responsibilities in childcare and promote a healthier work-life balance. These measures would contribute to the overall well-being of families and support a more inclusive work environment. It should be noted that globally paternity leave granted ranges from 2 weeks to 15 weeks.  I would also like to recommend that systems be put in place for parental leave. Parents need this sort of leave to attend sick a child or children especially when they are too sick to attend school.

Provision of Baby Formula at Health Centers:

To assist parents in providing adequate nutrition for their infants, I recommend the provision of baby formula at health baby clinics. This initiative would be particularly beneficial for families facing financial constraints and ensure that every child receives the necessary nutrition for healthy development.

In conclusion, these proposed initiatives address critical aspects of education, childcare, family support, and health. I trust that the inclusion of these recommendations in the 2024 budget would not only improve the lives of our citizens but also reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and caring society. I would also like to highlight that these measures should not significantly affect inflation, which the government seems so concerned about resulting in meagre salary increases to the nation’s public servants. It is important to note that while many are leaving the government jobs to be employed by the oil companies, the government should take measure to makes it employment benefits more attractive.

Sincerely,

S. Persaud

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