Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, the first speaker in the 2014 debates, noted that consultative process leading up to the presentation of the 2014 Estimates last Monday was lacking and the resulting consequences will be cuts, as seen in the last two years.
Greenidge stressed that the Opposition has the “right” to modify the 2014 Estimates.
BUDGET TALKS
Greenidge noted that the Government is in receipt of proposals that would ensure a budget that is favourable across the aisle; but the contention of the Government is contrary.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, as recent as last Tuesday, said: “It is a matter of public record (that) we invited the opposition parties on several occasions, and they failed to turn up. So if there is a lack of consultation, it’s because they refused to make themselves available.
“There were repeated invitations made, and they refused to avail themselves.”