Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Finance, Juretha Fernandes, recently opined that the enthusiasm among Guyanese citizens for the national budget has gradually diminished over the years, due it not living up to their expectations. Fernandes, speaking at the Alliance For Change (AFC)s recent weekly press conference, pointed out what she perceives as a lack of tangible benefits stemming from successive budgets presented by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration.
She said despite the decline in enthusiasm, the ordinary citizens of Guyana still harbour fundamental expectations as the unveiling of Budget 2024 approaches.
Of these she said are Guyanese rallying for constitutionally stipulated free education from nursery to university, emphasizing the intrinsic value of an educated populace. Simultaneously, she stated that there is also a collective call for an increase in the income tax threshold to $150,000, providing relief to the working class.
Fernandes further noted the demand for an immediate 50 percent increase in the minimum wage resonates across various sectors, accompanied by a plea for associated adjustments in both the public and private realms. Value Added Tax (VAT) reduction, she said is another pressing concern, with citizens expressing hope for relief from the burdens of increased taxation.
Moreover, Fernandes said pensioners are in need of an increase in pension to $70,000, aligning with the rising cost of living.
The politician said citizens are not just concerned about their personal finances; they are also calling for the elimination of the cost associated with residential house lots. She also pinpointed a widespread desire for the government to make substantial investments in national security, ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
Fernandes also expressed the need for equitable adjustments and increases in the cost of living allowance to reflect economic fairness, increased investment in public transportation to enhance accessibility for all and for homeowners, the reduction in interest rates, aiming to ease financial burdens. As for first-time home builders, she noted that they need monetary provisions to realize their dreams.
“Those expectations are certainly reasonable for the nation to expect given the expected trillion-dollar budget,” Fernandes asserted.
In addition to the foregoing, the MP said there is a growing sentiment that the scrutiny of such a significant budget for this year necessitates an extended review period. She said scrutinizing a trillion-dollar budget within the same timeframe as smaller budgets is impractical; as such, she urged for there to be adequate time for a more deliberate examination.
