Dear Editor,
Budget 2022 has been presented to the nation. It is a meticulously well-written document that has all the associated features of a Government on the move. In the minds of all its hearers, this budget showcases a Government that cares for its people, and one that would deliver despite opposition.
This is what most of us wanted to hear and see in a budget. It is a well-put-together document that would enhance growth and development in this, an oil rich environment.
Ours is an economy under rapid transformation; which means that, with careful management, our country would soon be propelled into a Developed Country status. The naysayers have already hinted that this is an overambitious venture, and one that is destined to fail; but, as the old adage puts it, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
We are looking forward for that day, and the starting point is now.
The budget gives allocations to every sector there is. In agriculture, education, infrastructure, housing and healthcare, it caters for the young and old in every area in its all-pervasive approach. It meticulously touches every facet of nation-building in that forward trajectory of progress.
The naysayers are in their usual negative campaign mode of criticising and tearing down without any real sense of responsibility as to give a sensible alternative. Their contributions have been negative ever since their loss at the last election.
What I am also convinced of is that ulterior motive of theirs, wherein they would like to see a nullity to the budget, just as they did in 2011. But those negative efforts are all to no avail, because they are not in a position of strength.
This brings me to another point: with such a large budget, funding would have to come from sources other than the usual taxes, and here is where the oil revenues come into focus. We must begin usage of our oil funds to put that spike into development. Isn’t it then a stark revelation of the aggressive assault of the Coalition Opposition on the NRF Bill? The aim was to tie the hands of the Government to the point of frustrating them with the non-use of our Natural Resource Fund. That despicable move by the main Opposition had to be stopped.
Guyana is on the right path, and the momentum generated by its rapid progress means that nothing is going to stop us now. It is forward upward movement only. No longer would our country be referred to as an underdeveloped, highly-indebted poor country (HIPC). No longer can the rest of the world speak about us in condescending tones.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
