Mr. Speaker, I rise to make my presentation in support of Budget 2021 and wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Honourable Senior Minister with responsibility for finance and his team for the outstanding work in preparing this budget, and wish to commend the Minister for his stamina in delivering his four and a half hours presentation.
Mr. Speaker, when I was sworn in as a Member of this Honourable House on the 1st of September, 2020, I anticipated and was eagerly looking forward to the intellectual quality of the contributions and debates I would be exposed to. I had every intention of learning and absorbing as much knowledge as I can from the senior and career politicians and lawmakers who sit in this House, and had high hopes for the younger politicians like myself, who would be afforded the opportunity to learn and contribute fresh ideas that would unite our people and further enhance the development of our country.
But Mr. Speaker, while the Honourable Members on the government side of the House have not disappointed and have lived up to expectations, I cannot in good conscience say the same for the opposite side of the House. Contributions from the Opposition are void of content, they seem to have a lack of understanding of even the most elementary concepts of what a budget is and what it is supposed to do, and as a result, have resorted to presenting absolute falsehoods, and are relying on obstructionist, divisive behavior and rhetoric to once again mislead their supporters and score cheap political points. Case in point the Speaker that went immediately before me. What a disservice they continue to do to their supporters and to our country. Any functioning democracy, needs a strong, competent, capable and honest opposition. That is how a democracy works and how governments are held accountable and how the people of the country get the greatest benefit. Not this clown show that goes on.
APNU/AFC’s agenda and intention is to destruct, destroy and dismantle any good thing that comes to this House.
This is evident in their failure to support good bills that came to the floor of this National Assembly just recently. Bills with a human touch, bills that showed that as a government, we care about bringing relief to our people.
The Small Business (Amendment) Act 2020, which paved the way for small businesses to access at least 20% of government’s procurement of goods, services and works. That Bill levelled the playing field and eliminated the disadvantages of the procurement process. One of the common criticism is that PPP likes big business; but here the PPP was encouraging and creating the appropriate conditions for the small man to participate. And what did they do? They absconded. Made no contributions, had no input or offered no recommendation on how we can further improve the conditions for small businesses to operate.
Similarly, with the Deceased Persons Estates’ Administration (Amendment) Bill 2020 which lifted the burden off of poor families who after having lost a loved one no longer has to apply to the court for letters of administration, and incur the financial burden of hiring an attorney to do so on their behalf, as long as the estate does not exceed $750,000. And further, thanks to the amendment a bank manager may pay to a claimant, from a deceased person’s savings bank account, a sum not exceeding $750,000. This again, was another caring, thoughtful initiative of our government; and dare I say, initiative of the Hon. Attorney General, Senior Council.
Mr. Speaker, the Opposition did not see it fit to participate and contribute to these meaningful amendments to the law that would ease the pressure on poor people. Because our government would get credit for passing these amendments, they chose to boycott, further demonstrating and ratifying their ill-intentions in this House through their unwillingness to support Bills and initiatives that benefit our people. So, they have no authority to speak to the measures in this Budget because they cannot be trusted. It is clear as day, they do not put the people first, they are not concerned with the welfare of the people, they are consumed with fighting us and trying to make the PPP look bad. But it’s not going to work. The people are watching, and they know who is looking out for them. They know who has their back.
Mr. Speaker, turning my attention to Budget 2021. This budget totals $383.1B, but notably, with no taxes increases. Significantly, the annualized sum total of all of the budget measures from the 2020 and 2021 budgets combined is $90B. While the APNU/AFC had increased tax collection by $88B annually. In contrast, from August 2020 to now, just six months, we have put back into the pockets of Guyanese $90B in annual savings.
But let us talk about housing. APNU/AFC’s entry into government in 2015 marked the end of the housing sector. Permit me to elaborate. PPP/C government’s housing budget in:
2013 – $3.2B
2014 – $4.4B
Just to give you a general sense of what the budgetary allocation for housing usually amounts to.
In stark contrast, Mr. Speaker, APNU/AFC’s housing budget in 2015 – reduced to $1.9B.
In 2016 they attempted to redeem themselves and allocated $5.8B; but the story of that year is tragic. Refer to article
Same technical people that designed and are bringing to completion the Eccles to Diamond bypass road, and have already designed and began procurement for the new four-lane highway linking Mandela and Eccles, and the same technical people who worked to design and prepare lands to allocate 3600 house lots in our first four months in office. The only difference Mr. Speaker, is the change in government. Vision, competence and leadership is what was missing, but it has been restored. Because the PPP/C is back!
And so in 2017, they weren’t taking any chances, they didn’t want to be embarrassed, so they decided they just wouldn’t give CH&PA any money. Volda Lawrence, who presented budget 2017 said “the Authority has to access its own funds”. No allocations from Central Government, because they simply had no vision for the housing sector and so they wouldn’t be able to spend the money even if given. In any case, the APNU/AFC government never prioritized housing. A basic need like shelter, they failed to see the importance and the impact it would have on our people. And it is a violation of Art. 26 of the Constitution; the right of all Guyanese to proper housing accommodation. But I guess that shouldn’t surprise anyone, because that is their nature. APNU/AFC are serial violators of the Constitution; they have no regard for peoples’ rights.
Housing Development & Management
In Budget Presentation 2020 Minister Edghill spoke about the restoration of “the vibrancy and vitality of the housing sector”. I stand here, mere months later and can proudly report that it has. It has, Mr. Speaker.Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the housing sector as a fundamental pillar of our economy. We also recognize that it has a significant impact on the lives of Guyanese. Our President has made it clear that the welfare of our people are at the core of government’s transformational development agenda. Therefore sir, in keeping with our manifesto promise to provide 50,000 house lots over five years, we will be allocating 10,000 house lots and distributing 7,000 land titles this year.
Other measures to encourage and promote home ownership in this Budget, include the zero-rating of construction materials; locally produced pre-stressed concrete piles, locally fabricated steel beams, locally manufactured roofing and PVC products, among others. We have also reduced the rate of taxation on industrial grade cement from 15% to 5%. Further, we have raised the low income ceiling for commercial loans from $10M – $12M, and increased the NBS ceiling from $12M – $15M. Additionally, in 2020 we increased the mortgage interest relief from $15 – $30M. All of these measures demonstrate a comprehensive approach not just to promote home-ownership, but to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
Government will also be constructing 1000 homes for low-income earners and young professionals, in addition to the 1000 homes slated to be constructed in Region 10. And Mr. Speaker, we are not going to be like the previous administration and make outlandish promises we can’t keep. Take for example, in 2018, then Minister Valerie-Patterson [refer to articles on housing]
The sum of $3bn was allocated for Infrastructure Works i.e., for roads, drainage, bridges, water network and land preparation for Region 2; Onderneeming, Region 3; Edinburg, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Stewartville, etc., Region 4; Little and Great Diamond, Providence, Mon Repos, LBI, Annandale, etc., Region 5; Experiment, Region 6; No. 75 and 76 Villages, Ordnance Fortlands, etc.
The sum of $1bn was allocated for the upgrading of roads in the existing areas of Region 2; Onderneeming, Region 3; Tuschen, Zeelugt, Zeeburg, etc., Region 4; Farm, Covent Garden, Prospect, Peter’s Hall, etc., Region 5; Hope Lowlands, Hope, Experiment, etc., Region 6; Kilcoy-Chesney, No. 76 and 77 Villages, Ordnance Fortlands, etc, Region 7; Four miles and five miles Bartica, Region 9; Tabatinga and Culvert City and Region 10; Amelia’s Ward, Wismar and Wisroc.
The sum of $450mn was allocated for utilities infrastructure i.e., for supply and installation of LED Streetlights in CHPA Existing Housing Schemes in Region 2; Onderneeming, Region 3; Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Schoonord, etc., Region 4; Herstelling, Providence, Prospect, Cummings Lodge, etc., Region 5; Hope Lowlands, Bath, Experiment, etc., Region 6; Kilcoy-Chesney, No. 76 and 77 Villages, etc., Region 7; Four miles and Five miles Bartica, Region 9; Tabatinga and Culvert City and Region 10; Amelia’s Ward, Wismar and Wisroc.
The sum of $1bn has been budgeted for the construction of the four lane highway from Mandela to Eccles, while $1.5bn has been budgeted to continue infrastructure works in Sophia, Diamond and La Parfaite Harmoine.
The sum of $80mn was allocated for the installation of borehole, discharge assembly and transmission main in each of the following areas: Stewartville, Meten-meer-zorg, Cornelia Ida, Edinburg, Anna Catherina, Prospect, Little Diamond and Great Diamond, Cummings Lodge Parcels 1767 and 1768.
For developing and improving the efficiency of the Single Window Planning Permission System, $100mn was allocated.
Water Service Expansion and Management
Government plans to increase treated water coverage in keeping with Sustainable Development Goal – Number Six (Access to Clean Water), reduce non-revenue water and modernize sanitation facilities across the country.
Hinterland Water Supply
Under our Hinterland Water Supply programme, the sum of $344mn has been allocated. Given the aggressive nature of the programme, I will make mention of some of the new projects slated for 2021.The sum of $40mn was allocated for the procurement of a new rig and well drilling materials to facilitate new wells in 2021. $20mn was allocated for the procurement of photovoltaic systems, electromechanical equipment, pipes, fittings, spares and accessories for water supply systems.
The sum of $10mn was allocated for the construction of a pump station and activation of a new well in Port Kaituma, while $14mn was allocated for the drilling of new wells, installation of PV, storage, distribution networks and service connections for the communities of Waramuri, Huradiah, Khans Hill, Wauna, Baramita, Arakaka and Matthew’s Ridge – Region 1.
$10mn was allocated for the drilling of wells, upgrade of PV systems, upgrade and extension of pipe networks and installation of stand pipes for the communities of Kwebanna and Manawarin – Region 1
For Annai in Region 9, the sum of $15mn was set aside for the upgrading of the distribution network, rehabilitation of elevated trestle, service connections and installation of PV system. For Ignatius, $15mn was allocated for the upgrading of the distribution network.
For the communities of Jawalla (Left Bank) and Kamarang/Warawatta in Region 7, the sum of $50mn was allocated for the drilling of a well, installation of new storage trestle & distribution network.
$78mn in total was allocated for the drilling of artesian wells, installation of distribution networks, upgrading of PV systems, construction of elevated storage trestles, and service connections for several communities in Region 9. Mr. Speaker, the town of Lethem, will also benefit from the construction of a GWI Lethem Office for which an allocation of $15mn was made.
The sum of $50mn was allocated for the installation of a Water Supply System at Kaibarupai and Monkey Mountain in Region 8. For the community of Taruka, $21mn was allocated for the drilling of a new well, extension of pipe network and installation of service connections.
Coastal Water Supply
The Coastal Water Supply Programme was allocated $500mn and includes the following activities:
The sum of $75mn was allocated for the procurement and installation of water meters, $40mn for the procurement of bulk meters at well sites and DMAs and $75mn for the procurement and installation of meter boxes.
The budget provides $104mn for the procurement of service connection materials for 5,200 new services.
We can look forward to wells in Wakenaam and Parika Backdam for which the budget has allocated a total sum of $100mn.
The sum of $101mn was provided for the expansion of the Water Treatment Plants at Sophia, Eccles, Covent Garden, Grove, Friendship and Vergenoegen, benefitting over 50,000 residents.
Urban Sewerage and Water
Under our Urban Sewerage and Water Programme the sum of $298mn was allocated for transmission upgrade from Church St. to Cummings Street, and $100mn was allocated for the procurement of electromechanical equipment for rehabilitation to production facilities for Regions 4 and 10.
Conclusion
Mr. Speaker, in concluding, I wish to caution young people, not to pay attention to political rhetoric. Sound bites like ‘free up the weed’ has no meaning and does nothing if responsible legislative amendments are not made. APNU/AFC spent five years in government and did nothing to remove custodial sentencing for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Now they are suddenly concerned about changing the law and wanting to go far beyond that, they want to remove custodial sentencing for possession of up to 500 grams when we are recommending 30 grams. They wanted to sabotage that Bill, they don’t want to make useful, responsible recommendations we can work with. They attempted to fool and mislead young people into not supporting a good thing.
And Mr. Speaker, this budget is a good thing. This government is a good government. Nobody deserves or has a right to be in government, you have to work for it. While the Opposition wants to divide and speak with racial undertones, our President speaks about oneness and unity, backed up and demonstrated by actions in our short time in office so far. And so I caution young people, and everyone, do not fall into the trap of those creating mischief; do not allow anyone to make you feel guilty about supporting a government who is showing you that we are supporting you. Support good initiatives and support people who support you. Do not resist development! Mr. Speaker, I fully endorse and support Budget 2021.