
Opposition Parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan- Edmond on Friday expressed her support for the 2025 National Budget, noting that there are “positive measures” in the spending plan that should draw the support of both sides of the National Assembly.
Chandan-Edmond hails from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), the major constituent of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) opposition coalition.
In what seemed like a departure from the usual critical, unsupportive debate presentations from Opposition Parliamentarians, Chandon-Edmond opened her presentation by calling for civility and urged her colleagues to work together in the interest of all Guyanese.
“There are measures that can and should be supported by both sides of the house, measures that speak to the heart of what governance is all about: improving the lives of people.
“I lend my full support to the positive budgetary measures of this budget. Let us make this a moment where we rise above the fray… and demonstrate that we are worthy of representing the people,” Chandon-Edmond said to an unusually quiet National Assembly.
It appeared as though her statements gave the Parliamentarian much to mull over as there was a clear absence of the usual heckling during her presentation. In fact, her presentation was one that drew support- evidenced by the banging of the desks- from both sides.
She hailed the investments in key areas including the agriculture, infrastructure, education, and social services sectors. She also posited that various budgetary measures will help with poverty alleviation efforts. Still, she offered her recommendations on how certain ventures could be improved.
The establishment of the One Guyana Digital School was one venture that was singled out by the Parliamentarian and hailed as a transformative move that could equip Guyanese youth with the skills needed to support the developing economy adequately. She also said it would allow Guyanese youth to compete internationally.
Though she backed the venture, she said youth in hinterland areas in particular must get more equitable support- be it through digital devices and/or reliable internet access- to benefit from the school.
A stronger focus on cybersecurity was another area she said needs much focus.
As she offered her support and recommendations, the Opposition Parliamentarian said, “I will not stand here in this House, Mr. Speaker, in good conscience and say the budget is completely vacuous and lacks vision. There are some fair measures that will alleviate the cost of living (woes).”
“While I sit on the opposition benches, I must say this, I see no reason why the budget should be a source of division in this house once our proposals and recommendations are considered.”