Granger urges citizens to look at budget critically and not just bits and pieces

“We have to have a forward-looking budget and I think this is a courageous budget which is going to move the country forward. And for that reason I think Guyana has to be prepared for change and this is a budget that will bring about that change”, the President said.

Granger urges citizens to look at budget critically and not just bits and pieces

President David Granger has added his voice to the discussion on the national budget and he has issued a call for Guyanese to critically analyze the entire budget and not just focus on “bits and pieces”.

In a video release from the Ministry of the Presidency of this week’s Public Interest television programme, the President defended the budget and said it is meant to aid in the transformation of the nation.

“We have to have a forward-looking budget and I think this is a courageous budget which is going to move the country forward. And for that reason I think Guyana has to be prepared for change and this is a budget that will bring about that change”, the President said.

He said the budget is not a standing still budget, but one that will see dividends. Mr. Granger said the budget will make more businesses and individuals compliant with the law, even as it will assist with infrastructural development and ensure social services are delivered.

“My overview is that it is a budget that is easy for citizens to follow and come to conclusions themselves of where we want to go”.

The government has come under criticism for its decision to add the value added tax to water bills over $1500 per month and electricity bills over $10,000 per month.

The President said he believes the majority of citizens will not be affected by that move since many of them fall have bills that fall under the two marks.

He reminded that the government is faced with limited resources when it comes to where it wants to take the country and as such taxation is necessary to assist with many of its social plans and programmes.

 

 

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