The Opposition APNU+AFC today said the release of the mid-year report by the Ministry of Finance proves that the country is indeed facing a cost of living crisis and there needs to be more assistance from the Government.

The Opposition has repeatedly called on the Government to introduce a comprehensive plan that could benefit all citizens, as against cash hand outs to selected groups.

APNU+AFC Member, Elson Lowe said the situation should not be taken for granted.

“We reiterate our call for an increase in the salaries for public servants well above the inflation rate, grants for farmers to help boost production, fuel vouchers for canter and bus drivers to bring transportation costs down, and an expanded school feeding programme, among other short-to long term measures”, Lowe said.

He said the worry is that the situation could become worse in the coming months leading into the Christmas season.

“Guyanese should note that with the price of crude oil remaining at the high-water mark, the government projects that NRF deposits will increase by 32.5 % to US$1.1 billion in 2022. This is on top of money already in the fund prior to 2022. Yet, the government can only commit to “the continued monitoring of cost of living throughout the rest of the year.” This is unacceptable and a clear indication that the PPPC does not care for the Guyanese poor”.

The Opposition has also chided the Government for its “sluggish spending” on projects that have been funded by the 2022 budget.

“Up to June, disbursements are well below 50% in many regards. For example, on Health, the government has expended only 36% so far of the $73.2 billion budgeted for the year. On the NATIONAL SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM, only 35% of the budgeted $2 billion has so far been spent. Clearly, the government delivers a big budget speech knowing full well it lacks the ability to successfully undertake the projects listed in the budget”, Lowe noted.

The Government while acknowledging the rise in the cost of living in the mid-year report, has been pushing the growth in the economy which has been fueled by the oil sector.

There have been numerous calls from political parties and other groups for a long-term plan to alleviate the impact of the rise in food and other prices.

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