All communities will benefit from Budget 2017 – MP Allen

GINA, GUYANA, Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Government Member of Parliament (MP), Richard Allen during the 2017 National Budget debate on Monday, said that the budget is one that will cater for all segments of Guyanese.

The Budget which was presented to the National Assembly on Monday, November 28, 2016 by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan is the largest to date, totalling $250B.

Opposition, MP Yvonne Pearson yesterday questioned how long Guyanese will have to wait for a better life as promised by the government. Pearson said that for too long the government has been saying they inherited a bad economy. “The government of the day is the government of the day, and they have a responsibility to the people of Guyana,” Pearson charged.

MP Allen, responding to Pearson, noted that when the government came into office, it found many problems but is working assiduously to fix them. Allen recalled that President David Granger had assured the people of Region One that their birth certificate issue will be a thing of the past.

Allen said that he has witnessed many people shed tears because they were denied a birth certificate, adding that because of the work of this administration persons are saying, “I can now get married, I can now get my children to get a good education because they have their birth certificates.”

According to Allen, it is only one aspect where government is prepared to give the good life to all Guyanese.

Allen noted that the opposition MPs, who are saying that Budget 2017 has nothing for the ordinary citizens across the country, clearly have not read it. “This budget is set out to improve the life of every community in our country. Opportunities are there within this budget,” Allen stated.

The budget is set out to build on basic services for the economy and communities, he added.

Additionally, Allen pointed to the first ever solar farm that the budget makes allocation for in Mabaruma, Region One that will be providing much needed electricity for the residents.

“Mr. Speaker, the word first clearly tells you that there are more to come, and this government is committed to giving all Guyanese a good life,” Allen stated.

In concluding, Allen cautioned members of the Opposition not oppose  just for the sake of opposing, adding that  Region One residents will benefit greatly from  Budget 2017.

 

By: Isaiah Braithwaite