Dr. Asha Kissoon ‘impressed’ by Budget 2025 but has proposals of her own

Deputy Speaker Dr. Asha Kissoon Thursday said she was impressed by the 2025 National Budget and called on her opposition colleagues to critically examine and support the fiscal plan because good measures are included to benefit citizens.

Dr. Kissoon began her contribution to the budget debate like she did last year; that is, with her clarion call for members of the APNU+AFC opposition to cease the divisive politics in Guyana. Instead, she urged them to engage in meaningful discourse.

“This culture of vindictive and divisive politics must come to an end.

“A national budget is meant to unite us, not divide us, is it so unheard of that a member of the opposition may support measures taken by government?” she queried.

Not everyone was receptive to her sentiments. All but one of her opposition colleagues left the floor as Dr. Kissoon started her presentation, protesting her continued occupation of the shared seat the joinder list has in Parliament.

Dr. Kissoon represents The New Movement (TNM) and her party, alongside the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) agreed to merge their votes to secure a single seat in Parliament and to share occupation of that seat in proportion to the votes each party earned. But Dr. Kissoon has shown no sign of willingly giving up her seat in the National Assembly and making way for ANUG representative Althia King.

Though her opposition colleagues left, the Deputy Speaker was seemingly interested in setting an example of how meaningful discourse can unfold. And she detailed what impressed her in the budget.

She said the sizable investments in housing, agriculture, and healthcare impressed her the most. As a medical doctor, she said the investments in specialised hospitals are important to her. So too is the move to give a $10,000 healthcare voucher to every citizen.

However, she suggested that a specialised fund be created to support citizens who require medical services overseas because those aren’t available locally. Such a fund, she said, would eliminate the need for persons to engage in fundraising activities online.

The Deputy Speaker also said a state-owned veterinarian clinic is needed so critical care can be provided to animals.

On housing, she urged the government to consider introducing interest-free loans to first-time, young applicants to further advance an already robust housing plan.

She also called for a universal school-feeding programme. This programme has expanded significantly over the past years but not all grades receive snacks or meals.

As she wrapped up her sober presentation, she expressed the same sentiments she began with.

“As we come to elections, I need to remind government and the opposition that our only mandate is to look after the people of Guyana.

“If this budget does that, let us support the good initiatives put forward by the Minister of Finance,” she said, adding that disagreements can be discussed properly.