Budget 2020 will benefit all Guyanese- Min McCoy
–hopes to work with Opposition in the interest of Guyanese
Minister of Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Kwame McCoy says the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) inherited a system that was mismanaged by the previous administration, but Budget 2020 will allow Guyanese to embark upon a path of development.
The Minister made these statements in his address at the Budget debate ongoing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Broken infrastructure, broken systems, corruption and nepotism, plagued ministries and departments across the country, the Minister said.
“The nation of the People’s Progressive Party is about making things happen, fixing things, making things happen for the ordinary man, for every segment of our society, making things happen in a way citizens will all be included… Could you imagine in this short time, a Budget put together that will allow our country to change its course and will go along the lane of making sure that our people develop and will give a chance their development?” the Minister asked.
Minister McCoy said he is perplexed that the Opposition is frowning upon measures outlined in the Budget, which will benefit every single Guyanese. Citing the removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity, the $15,000 for students, the $25,000 for households, he reiterated that people across the country would benefit.
Nevertheless, the Minister said the Government is willing to work with the Opposition in the best interest of Guyana and its people. “If you claim you have an interest in developing the people in this country, in contributing to their development and you want to work with the Government, then you have to be able to match your words with action,” he said.
Minister McCoy said the Government has a job to do and it will ask the Opposition to do their part in the best interests of the people.
“We will be doing our job, and we will ask all of you on that side of the House to also do your job and not to just do a job that does not coincide with the desires of the people of this country, which is ensure that they benefit from development, that they enjoy the best their country has to offer,”Minister McCoy said.
The Minister added that “I will seek the type of Opposition that will be helpful. An Opposition that will not find itself bearing negativity… that you will say to the people of this country that I am working in your interest and demonstrate it on a daily basis.”
This year’s Budget is an estimated $330 billion which will benefit Guyanese countrywide.