Ramjattan blasts govt. for producing a budget that lacks infrastructural and socio-economic balance

Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Kemraj Ramjattan recently delivered a scathing critique of the 2024 National Budget, expressing profound disappointment with the allocation of funds and the perceived lack of a balanced approach to addressing the country’s socio economic challenges.

In a detailed analysis, Ramjattan emphasized that despite the country boasting of the 10th highest per capita income globally, the $1.146 trillion budget fell short of expectations, especially concerning the welfare of the working poor. He stressed the need for better equilibrium between infrastructural development and social-economic upliftment.

“The working poor, pensioners, and those in need of social assistance have not witnessed the anticipated improvements,” Ramjattan remarked, articulating concerns about the budget’s impact on vulnerable demographics. He argued for a more comprehensive and equitable distribution of resources, urging the government to reassess its priorities in light of the substantial budget at its disposal.

Ramjattan went further, underscoring the missed opportunity to rectify disparities from previous budget cycles. His critique also hinted at a broader concern – the potential concentration of wealth among a crony capitalist contractor class, which could exacerbate poverty levels and drive more citizens to seek opportunities abroad.

“The 10th richest country in the world should be reflected in a budget that prioritizes the needs of the entire populace,” Ramjattan asserted, while leveling criticism at what he perceived as a disproportionate focus on benefiting the already affluent segment of society.

He also scrutinized the government’s explanations for its shortcomings, dismissing attributions of budgetary challenges to external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and narratives surrounding people’s dependency on the government. Ramjattan also called for a more nuanced examination of how public servants would be affected, despite an acknowledged budget allocation for this group.

In his conclusion, Ramjattan expressed deep-seated dissatisfaction, stating unequivocally that the budget failed to meet expectations for shared prosperity. He also accused the government of perpetuating a system that favored the upper class, while undermining the principles of inclusivity and fairness.