[www.inewsguyana.com] – General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Civic, Clement Rohee has made it abundantly clear that it is not the role of the PPP to urge government to invite the Political Opposition to be part of the budget preparations.

Time and time again, the Opposition has complained that they were not consulted by government before announcing the budget. This has since resulted in the slashing of the budget by the combined opposition.

When questioned about the issue at the PPP’s weekly press conference on Monday, January 7, the General Secretary said that the administration is fully aware of its responsibilities when it comes to the preparation of the budget.

According to Rohee, the Party does not invite persons or parties to discuss the budget at Freedom House, since it is an issue that falls squarely within the purview of the Government.

The General Secretary further explained that the Finance Minister would invite stakeholders to the Ministry where consultations take place. The combined opposition has claimed that they were not invited to provide any input in the 2014 budget.

The possibility exists that the budget will be slashed again when presented to the National Assembly.