APNU Member of Parliament, Dr. Dexter Todd, believes that the 2026 national budget has fallen short in a number of areas that require urgent attention.

Todd, said where the budget has measures to support the people, the APNU will support such measures, but he said the Government’s failure to consult widely with the Guyanese society before the preparation of the Budget shows that the government has no interest in a national developmental plan, but plans to implement only its manifesto which all of Guyana did not vote for.

“I wish to put on record Mr. Speaker, that a manifesto is not a national developmental plan for Guyana, and so when the Honourable members on that side come to this house and make it appear as though the people of this country support it, they must be reminded of the percentage of Guyanese who cast their votes their votes for you, it is not a reflection of the people of Guyana,” Dr. Todd said. 

Mr. Todd said the Government’s non-consultation with key stakeholders before the preparation of its budget, is becoming a key feature of the PPP/C adminstration. He said such a practice can be interpreted to mean that the Government alone has all the ideas, and those who are otherwise elected or are part of reputable civil society groups are not welcomed to make inputs.

“‘And therefore Mr. Speaker, you cannot come to this honourable house and fail to consult with the wider community, fail to consult properly with civil society, fail to consult with the Opposition, fail to consult with all relevant entities and present a budget and make it feel and appear as though it had national consultation,” Todd stated.

The Opposition MP proposed the establishment of a national developmental committee to reflect all entities and persons of interest in the country to meaningfully contribute.

He said the issue of poverty remains critical and urged government to meaningful allocate resources for poverty alleviation.

Additionally, Mr. Todd said the budget should have also seek to address the challenges being highlighted at the Guyana Elections Commission.

He said while the government seems to be brushing aside serious issues which continue to put the country’s electoral processes into question, the 2025 electoral observer mission reports present a clear picture that reform is needed.

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