Budget too timid - Dev
By Andre Haynes
Stabroek News
April 10, 2003
Leader of ROAR, MP Ravi Dev says this year's budget is too cautious and does not live up to its theme.
Speaking on the opening day of the 2003 budget debate on Monday, Dev told the National Assembly at the Ocean View Convention Centre and Hotel that in so far as it was presented, the budget spoke of growth but the activities were not there. He called on the government to "put their money where their mouths are." According to Dev if the government was concerned about confronting the challenges and staying on course, the budget should have taken a more head-on approach.
According to the ROAR leader, the government boasted of presenting a huge budget, "but an increase of 16% in the budget size does not matter; it is how one uses the money, then will the size of the budget become meaningful."
He argued that the budget was too keen on stabilising inflation, resulting in $50B in excess liquidity not being utilised to stimulate and promote economic growth."
Turning his attention to the Intermediate Savannahs, Dev said Guyana had a comparative advantage in land, but capital was needed and the excess liquidity could be used to provide investments in such projects.
He said the 10% consumption tax on phone calls would cause further hardship to the poorer sections of the country, as well as increase the transaction costs for business.
Dev contended also that the government should do more to address the issue of political instability as there was a nexus with the crime situation, adding that buying more guns would not solve the problem.
Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dale Bisnauth in his presentation said that the course set by the present government some time ago and articulated in the National Development Strategy paper, would be pursued. "Indeed, the budget itself is the instrument for ensuring that development stays on course during 2003 whatever the challenges are."
Bisnauth added that the climate of industrial relations had a direct impact on economic and social development. "If development is to take place in this country, labour relations must be conducted in an orderly and disciplined manner, within acceptable norms, national legislation and applicable international labour standards without prejudice to workers or employers." He said strikes, prolonged industrial unrest and factory lock-outs for whatever reasons, rob the country of its goods and services.
