Flawed budget fails to address basic issues

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has created an unfriendly environment for investors and accused them of “outstripping and out-crowding” the private sector by competing for loans and activities.

“…outside of crowding out the private sector, at the same time we are the gods of little things. We’re the gods of small things. So arches are lovely but you’ve gotta find jobs for people… you are not doing things that will bring activities for our people—economic activity… You’re fiddling and diddling in the economy. You’re not pushing this economy to stimulate it. You’re competing with the private sector,” she stated.

On the point of social cohesion, which the government has touted as part of its mandate, Teixeira pointed out that there is a disparity in the appointments of employees on government and state boards, with Afro-Guyanese dominating.

She stated that although there are claims that the government is pushing for inclusion and social cohesion, it appears to be ignoring the diversity of the nation. “…The government has to recognise that it’s standing on quicksand… so it’s a government with less than 1% difference in the votes… and further it controls only three of the 10 [Regional Democratic Councils] and less than 35% of the local authorities. Maybe that is why they’re so insecure and have to paint state properties in their party colours to brand Guyana PNC Guyana,” Teixeira stated, following the reading of the opinion pieces on the budget.

“…you do not control the base of this country and therefore, your disregard to the majority of viewers in this country, or any initiative, or any proposal including this budget is an indication that you are moving in an authoritarian direction, that you don’t wish to involve the people, you do not reflect the diversity of our nation and government on any public level, and that in fact you’re becoming more insulated and alienated from the people, includ-