Budget gives Guyanese sense of hope -- Berbice businessman By Wendella Davidson Guyana Chronicle April 11, 2000 BERBICE businessman Mr D.R. Persaud has come out in support of this year's national budget, saying it gives Guyanese a sense of hope. "This budget has given Guyanese hope of a better standard of living and to become more self-sufficient," Persaud said. He suggested the implementation of a price control system. Persaud, a former Trade Union Congress (TUC) president, said there is no indication that the budgetary allocations were politically motivated, but indicated something more could have been offered to the workers than the 26.6 per cent increase. The former TUC boss said the attitude of some Trade Unionists is reprehensible and suggested an impartial approach to industrial matters in the interest of national development. "Trade Unionists have to review their affiliation with political parties if they are to give proper representation to their membership," declared Persaud who led the movement between 1964 and 1966. He voiced concern over the steep rise in prices of basic commodities including gasolene and flour, and pointed out that the nine per cent inflationary rate has reduced the 26.6 per cent salary increase to 17.6 per cent. Persaud complained, too, that the cost of medical treatment is far beyond the income of many workers and he urged the re-establishment of government dispensaries. Persaud said that the National Insurance Act which calls for the disclosure of medical conditions by subscribers before they turn 60, should be revoked. He said the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) initially was to improve workers' benefit claims, but some persons over 60 who are benefiting from the scheme should have been debarred from receiving claims. Persaud wants the removal of the sugar levy which, he insists, is a deterrent to more incentives for sugar workers. (CALVIN MARSHALL)