Dear Editor,
When discussing budgets, President Joe Biden often uses a quote that he attributes to his father: “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget—and I’ll tell you what you value.” The PPP/C Party has succeeded to initiate an innovative and unimaginative trillion-dollar budget, one that includes something for “every stratum of life,” creating history in Guyana with the biggest budget Parliament has ever received. The huge figure of $1.146 trillion, certainly speaks volumes and represents a high value and is “worth it.” In a country celebrating its 75th Republic Day and which Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk described as “absurd,” for not having a permanent seat on UNSC, it is a practice in India that their President addresses Parliament prior to their Budget Presentation, followed by the Prime Minister’s speech.
In the 2023 Budget speech, PM Modi said, “Amid the unstable global economic situation, India’s Budget will not only attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens, but the ray of hope being seen by the world will also glow brighter –” Guyana’s President Ali said, “Indeed budget 2024 is about staying the course while building national prosperity.” He said that the majority of Guyana will be “rejoicing” except some who have the ability but not the “conscience” to acknowledge “what the government is doing.” The budget’s agricultural proposal enhances the President’s commitment to reduce food importation by 25 in 25 for the entire Region, not only Guyana. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud forewarned that the PPP/C Party “not only sets targets but try to exceed them.”
Sincerely,
Jai Lall
