In a somewhat preachy tone, PPP/C MP Reverend Kwame Gilbert joined the 2011 budget debate on Tuesday night saying there is no basis on which a comparison could be made between this administration and the previous PNC-led government as regards fiscal management.
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still,” Gilbert said, noting that many are seeking an element of fault or some diabolical intent in the financial roadmap of the government; a clear reference to opposition speakers who preceded him.
Gilbert said the focus of the debate should not be on whether the budget is ideal, but whether the government is managing the economy well, given the available resources.
“I am hopeful that as we continue this debate… [it] will not become burdened down by the minuscule views of would-be political pundits who very sadly underestimate the intelligence of the Guyanese people,” Gilbert said.
But as Gilbert continued, stating that government’s initiatives are people-centred and changing lives, opposition speakers challenged the fine points in his presentation. “Pastor your facts are questionable,” a heckler charged as Gilbert said that property-owners are now complaining about a scarcity of tenants because more citizens now own their own homes.
“People living with family… you know how much is rent?!” an opposition member shouted as Gilbert praised government’s housing drive. He then narrated the tale of a 57-year-old woman whom he called, “Patsy” saying that she struggled with rent and relocating from one house to another before finally owning her own home.
Speaker of the House Ralph Ramkarran had reason to caution opposition members for the interruptions during Gilbert’s presentation, but the reverend was firing back at hecklers and seemed unruffled as opposition members piled pressure on him. At one point he declared that he has no interest in reading Christopher Ram’s budget review because, “Ram has political ambitions”.
Prehistoric
Prior’s to Gilbert’s glowing assessment of the government’s record, PNCR-1G MP Dr John Austin said that parts of Berbice look anything but modern with “prehistoric roadways unfit for vehicles”. He said the state of the roads in some communities in Region 6 expose discriminatory practices on the part of the administration.
Austin argued that the health sector in Region 6 is in poor shape with ballooning numbers with respect to maternal mortality, infant mortality and mortality in general. He questioned what steps are being taken to address the issues, adding that he will continue to highlight problems in the region year after year at the risk of sounding like a broken record.
He continued that junior staff had been elevated to senior levels because of a shortage of medical personnel in the region; and this has its own problems. Medication is regularly in short supply at the regional hospital, he said.
Austin used his presentation to compare how things were under the PNC government and the current administration. As he mentioned shortcomings under the PPP, he pointed out that similar situations prevailed under the PNC, but insisted that things are deteriorating.
Austin said his main criticism of the government is that “things need to improve”, not that nothing is being done. He energized the government benches when he referred the Auditor General reports saying that the PNC never prepared any because, “we were aware of the improprieties and did not want to fool the public”.
The PPP/C benches erupted in laughter, but Austin continued that every year the Auditor General prepares reports which reflect poorly on this government owing to the many improprieties which are often highlighted.PPP/C MPs Neil Kumar and Albert Atkinson also spoke on Tuesday night, both focusing on government development in outlying areas. Kumar declared that he was hurt by certain statements made about the 2011 budget, and described it as caring and people-focused.
Kumar spoke of projects, particularly in the area of sport, which he said demonstrate the government’s commitment to youth. He mentioned that Bartica had benefited tremendously from sport investment and according to him, funds have been allocated to build on this in 2011.
Kumar said too that government has allocated funding for playgrounds to be developed in central areas in every region this year to allow youth to get involved in activities. He added that the negative statements flowing from opposition members on the 2011 budget are merely for criticism sake.
Atkinson said the government has invested heavily in all the riverain areas, particularly Region 8 where he said many of the government projects outlined in the past few years have been executed. He said investments have been pumped into rehabilitating schools, purchasing boats and vehicles, and general maintenance of structures.
Modern health centres are in every community and drugs are adequately provided, Atkinson said, adding that government is training health personnel in hinterland communities. He noted that $20.5 million has been set aside for health sector development in the community.
Further, he said, the rural electrification programme is underway in Region 8 and water supply has been improved over the years.
