The opposition last night utilised its one member majority to completely cut the $5.63 billion Air Transport Programme of the Ministry of Transport and Hydraulics budget.
The decision was made after typos in both the AFC and APNU’s motions to cut sums budgeted for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri were brought to the attention of the Committee of Supply by Gail Teixeira, government’s Chief Whip.
Chairman of the Committee Raphael Trotman then halted the session to review the Standing Orders governing such issues.
The House was called to session after review where it was decided that the typos would make both motions null and void. Hence the decision was taken to cut the entire allocation to the ministry under air transport, including allotments for the hinterland airstrip project and monies owed to the European Union.
APNU MP Joseph Harmon stated after the cuts were passed that they were a necessary measure and that the government had the chance to go back to the house with revisions. He said Transport Minister Robeson Benn under questioning was unable to provide sufficient answers. Harmon said the CJIA expansion project was not taken to the House in an appropriate matter. He said the contract was signed in November 2011 but the “financial arrangements for the financing of this project were signed in November of 2012 one year after.”
Leader of the Opposition David Granger remarked that this confusion would have been avoided if tripartite talks were seriously considered. He noted that a political lesson was to be learned.
For his part Benn expressed disbelief. “This is just unbelievable,” he said on multiple occasions. He said this would negatively affect all 48 hinterland airstrips to the tune of $175 million.
Benn also pointed to improvements already made at the CJIA including tracking technology and the air traffic control tower in preparation for the expansion.
