By Mark DaCosta- In a fiery address to the National Assembly, Member of Parliament Ricky Ramsaroop, a seasoned businessman, educated in forestry and business administration, unleashed a scathing critique of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) $1.146 trillion 2024 Budget. With eloquence and conviction, Ramsaroop dissected the budget, exposing what he deemed as misplaced priorities and a disregard for the well-being of the Guyanese people.
Opening his address with a courteous nod to the Speaker, Ramsaroop wasted no time expressing his dissatisfaction with the whopping trillion-dollar budget presented by the PPP government. Drawing attention to the stark contrast between the huge current budget and the previous, relatively tiny A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition’s budgets, Ramsaroop accused the PPP of attempting to mislead the public by comparing incomparable figures.
With a calculated blend of passion and sarcasm, Ramsaroop emphasised the budget’s skewed allocation, where a mere 10 percent is directed towards public servants and pensioners, while almost double that amount is earmarked for road construction benefiting a select few – in other words, the elite. He underscored the apparent disconnect between the government’s budgetary choices and the genuine needs of the majority struggling in impoverishment.
The Member of Parliament said:
- “Our people know that budgets are about priorities. They know budgets tell who the Govt is, their philosophy.
- “A meager 10 percent for the lower 1/3, while almost twice that amount is going towards roads alone for families, friends, and favorites [of the PPP].
- “The PPP’s priorities are starkly upside down to what the people want. Ask the people; they will choose food over roads, water over roads, healthcare over roads, and education over roads.
- “Maybe they have come up with a new invention to make roads edible, Mr. Speaker,” the MP remarked, sarcastically.
At 46 years old, Ramsaroop stands as a Vice Chairman of the AFC, bringing to the table not only his political affiliation but also his background in forestry and business administration. As a businessman, his critique carries weight, challenging the government’s approach to economic management and resource allocation.
In the heart of Ramsaroop’s critique lies the staggering magnitude of the budget itself. The PPP proudly boasts a trillion-dollar budget, yet Ramsaroop argues that the colossal figure doesn’t translate into effective governance or the prioritisation of the people’s needs.
Dr. Ashni Singh, the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with the responsibility for Finance, outlined several fiscal measures in the budget speech. Notable highlights include an increase in the monthly income tax threshold, incentives for life and medical insurance, and adjustments to fuel prices and freight charges.
However, Ramsaroop challenges the apparent lack of focus on essential sectors like health, education, and social welfare in the budget, accusing the PPP of neglecting the basic needs of the people in favour of questionable allocations.
The Member of Parliament concluded his impassioned speech by offering an alternative vision for Guyana’s future. Proposing strategic initiatives for the gold sector, forestry, and a revamped carbon credits model, he paints a picture of a government that prioritises sustainable development and inclusivity.
According to one Guyanese political commentator, “As our nation stands at the crossroads of prosperity, Ramsaroop’s critique serves as a poignant reminder that budgetary decisions shape our collective destiny.”
The people of Guyana, Ramsaroop insists, deserve a government that listens to their needs, prioritises their well-being, and steers the nation towards a future where prosperity truly reaches all.
