In a scathing critique of the recently tabled budget in Guyana’s National Assembly, Member of Parliament (MP) Amanza Walton-Desir did not mince words, describing it as offering “absolutely nothing of substance for working class Guyanese”. Her remarks highlight a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the government’s fiscal priorities, particularly in terms of their impact on the working class and educational sectors.
Walton-Desir, a vocal critic of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, argued that the budget reflects a continuation of the administration’s lack of focus on the needs of ordinary Guyanese. She expressed dismay at the rationale provided by Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, who has responsibility for finance, for certain financial allocations, finding them inadequate and misdirected.
A key point of contention for the MP was the government’s approach to education funding. She critiqued the decision to invest a significant sum in the GOAL online programme, while the University of Guyana, the country’s premier educational institution, faces resource shortages. Walton-Desir suggested that investing in the University of Guyana’s online capabilities would be a more prudent use of funds, especially for facilitating access to education.
The MP’s comments also extended to the government’s approach to poverty alleviation and support for the working class. While acknowledging the increase in public assistance, she noted that in the context of a trillion-dollar budget, these measures were insufficient. Walton-Desir emphasised that the budget heavily favoured infrastructure and big business, with little attention to human capital development, research, and innovation.
Reflecting on the overall direction of the government, Walton-Desir accused it of being more concerned with concrete projects than with the welfare of the people. She expressed deep disappointment at the missed opportunity for the government to address the cost of living crisis and support Guyanese in need. The MP vowed that her party would dissect the budget, sector by sector, to highlight its shortcomings to the Guyanese people.
