Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira defended the $1.146 trillion budget presented last week by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, stating that the budget, like previous People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) budgets, helps to empower Guyanese.
Teixeira spoke during the third day of the 2024 budget debates in the National Assembly, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Georgetown.
According to the seasoned Parliamentarian, the budget focuses on targeted projects that help to improve people’s lives, be it through new employment opportunities, better connectivity or improved access to services.
“Infrastructure transformation is one of the fastest ways to expand and bring economic development to people,” Teixeira said in direct response to some of the criticisms raised by the APNU+AFC opposition.
Several of the Opposition Parliamentarians referred to the budget as a “sand and stone” one, and opined that the government was spending more on infrastructure projects than on measures to provide short-term relief to people.
Teixeira, however, pointed out that the budget doesn’t only focus on capital projects. She highlighted several ventures that will also benefit people.
According to her, the government’s decision to invest in the University of Guyana and its online scholarship programme, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), will see thousands of people trained rapidly.
“Is that not something you should be proud of?” Teixeira quizzed.
Reflecting on all of the sectoral allocation, the minister further noted that larger allocations are needed now since Guyana has to develop itself and develop quickly to respond to the needs of society.
“We are playing catchup after all these years and we should not slow down,” Teixeira said.
