Budget 2018 ‘fit and proper’- Minister Garrido-Lowe

DPI, Guyana, Monday, December 4, 2017

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe described Budget 2018 as being ‘fit and proper,’ since it reflects the government’s careful management of the peoples’ resources.

During her presentation at the 2018 National Budget Debate on Monday, Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that the government believes that it is long overdue for the establishment of a strong foundation, not only for today’s generation, but for future generations as well.

“…We would like our Guyanese brothers and sisters to know, that we understand that they have given us the opportunity, to be in this position of trust, so that we could be able to make the decisions that would better serve them. And we are doing just that, for the past two and a half years, we have been making the soft and the hard decisions – all in the interest of the people of Guyana, spread across the ten regions of this beautiful country”

To this end, in keeping with the country’s Green Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(UN-SDGs), the government has embarked on a developmental plan of building strong village economies through the promotion of agriculture, agro/food-processing, eco-tourism and youth entrepreneurship in the hinterland regions. Additionally, in 2018, several projects will be rolled out in Indigenous communities to create economic opportunities for the residents.

“Budget 2018 speaks to the development of the entire country, and more specifically, bridging the gap between the hinterland the coastland so that there will be equal opportunities for all and equity among all citizens, Minister Garrido-Lowe explained.

The Ministry, she said, has been working feverishly to carry out its mandate to support and encourage the economic empowerment, integration and environmental development of Indigenous Peoples’ communities through strategic and informed policy formulation.

In closing, Minister Garrido-Lowe acknowledged the hard work of the various ministries which ensure that Guyanese across this country benefit fairly from the country’s resources.

Under the theme, “The journey to the good life continues”, Budget 2018 was presented on November 27 by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.

 

By: Synieka Thorne

 

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