PNC like 'bull in China shop' - Rohee charges in budget debate
THE main opposition People's National Congress (PNC) has recklessly swept through the annual budget like the proverbial "bull in a China shop", says Foreign Minister, Mr Clement Rohee. "The Opposition has once again heaped scorn on the budget...Their response demonstrates their lack of objectivity, realism and reasonableness," he said responding to PNC member, Mr John DeFreitas at the budget debate. DeFreitas on Tuesday described the year 2000 budget as an "embarrassing and humiliating affair". And he criticised the government for not having done anything "significant" to stimulate private sector growth. "That is why the private sector is drowning (and) unemployment is rising," he told the National Assembly. Rohee, in response, said the Opposition wanted to "hoodwink" Guyanese by talk of establishing a free and open society and deepening the democratic culture. He said it was expected that having been in office for more than 28 years, the PNC would have had some sense of appreciation for: ** The hostile international economic environment which developing countries like Guyana are currently experiencing. ** The unequal and unfair nature of the global trading system. ** The negative impact which globalisation and trade liberalisation are having on developing countries like Guyana and, ** The calamitous and bankrupt nature of the economy which was thrust upon the PPP/Civic when it assumed office in 1992. DeFreitas expressed disbelief at the three per cent economic growth reported in the budget and claimed that the "only thing that did well last year was sugar, crime and back-tracking (illegal migration)." According to him, the budget does not reflect Guyana's true reality. "The private sector needs a sympathetic government which will produce an investment code, reduce taxes, cut out corruption and provide political stability," he asserted. Rebutting, the Foreign Minister argued that the Opposition had clearly ignored these objective features and like a "bull in a China shop" they have "recklessly, unabashedly and irresponsibly dismissed a reasonable and realistic 2000 budget presentation". "They are either suffering from political amnesia or probably a political delusion," Rohee remarked. He said what the PNC should be proposing is preparedness to throw their weight behind the PPP/Civic Administration and work for the good of the country. Rohee said Guyana is once again "on the path to economic growth and recovery". He said the PNC's charges are allegations which do not contribute in any way to creating a positive view or a "friendly environment" for attracting investing in the country. "The PNC has embarked on a conscious policy aimed at scaring away foreign investors from this country," the minister told the House. "We in the PPP/Civic need at least 30 years more in the government to put Guyana back on its track. "And if things go the way they went in 1992 and 1997, this may very well happen," Rohee declared to loud cheers from supporters in the House. (SHARON LALL)
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