Govt ministers welcome 2020 budgetary allocations

–Ready to get down to business

Government ministers are ready to commence work in their respective sectors following the passage of the budget for 2020.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud dubbed it “a pro-poor budget’ explaining that the government would have removed much of the hardship’s citizens faced primarily through taxes.

“I think that will bring immense relief to the population as we deal with taxes in so many different ways but also bringing additional measures where a wide cross section of the population can benefit and benefit tangibly,” Dr. Persaud said.

According to the Human Services and Social Security Minister, there are a number of initiatives which will be rolled out before the end of 2020 which seek to enhance the lives of those most vulnerable. She disclosed that these programmes will be dealing with a number of social issues.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall expressed satisfaction with his ministry’s budgetary allocation adding that he is confident that a lot will be achieved over the next three months which will lay the foundation for the ministry’s future development.

“The incentives in the budget for Local Government and Regional Development I think are unparallel and we hope that all that has to be done will be done in the shortest possible time but will have a very big impact on hinterland communities, the local democratic system as well as investments and community infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai stated “there is going to be a variety of activities taking place within October to December and we are very hopeful we are prepared to run with the expenditures and engage the village councilors in ensuring they utilize the amount provided for them in 2020.”

With an injection of nearly $3 billion into the housing sector, Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Colin Croal is ready to commence working towards housing development for Guyanese. He noted that the housing drive is being pursued in a very aggressive manner and the budgetary allocation “will certainly help kick off that process.”

Tourism is another sector which will be expanded with the establishment of four new hotels. This will see the creation of job opportunities. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Waldron noted that this is another manifesto promise fulfilled.

“This is going to be a major investment boost to increase the country’s GDP,” she said.