‘A far cry from the days of Hoyte’ – Jagdeo says uninspired by current PNC-led Opposition

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who is among the economic masterminds in the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government, has not participated in the last three budget debates.

On Thursday, when asked about non-participation to help the government articulate its plans so that they can be properly recorded in the Hansard of Parliament, Jagdeo said he was, for the most part, uninspired to participate because of the lacklustre presentations from the opposition benches.

At a party press conference, Jagdeo was highly critical of the presentation by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton last Friday, describing it as inconsistent and largely proffering fallacious economic theories and calculations.

“Maybe I should, maybe next year I will.

“Really, the quality of debate on the other side, it doesn’t give me the energy,” Jagdeo said in response to a question.

He added, “It’s not an environment to make a robust presentation and have it appreciated.

“The other side doesn’t inspire me,” Jagdeo noted.

He recalled, however, that there was a time when he was inspired by the opposition; a time, as he recalls when the opposition had great people to speak during budget debates.

“Desmond Hoyte was a former President but when he was in Parliament, I was Minister of Finance at the time… you could relate to him because he would not talk nonsense or come up with something outside of economic theory.”

Jagdeo also recalled stalwart members of the People’s National Congress Reform who served in the National Assembly with distinction such as Kenneth King and Winston Murray.

“There was a time when you were encouraged to go in and want to debate because these are people that, even if you disagree, you can relate to what they are saying.

“Imagine you debating Sherod Duncan on budget.

“It’s a far cry from the past,” Jagdeo added.