Opposition seeking to undermine projects beneficial to Guyanese – Minister of Finance
Georgetown GINA, March 14, 2012
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh said contrary to what a small section of the opposition and the media appear to want to assert, Government’s track record can withstand comparison as well as compare favourably with any other government in a comparable jurisdiction and, with any of the PPP/Cs predecessors in office.
Speaking at Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister Singh pointed to the vast volumes of documentation and testimony given before Parliamentary Committees, which end up in the hands of all political stakeholders, and by extension, in the hands of and, accessible to Guyana’s citizenry.
Dr. Singh noted however, that unfortunately, persons don’t really look at the vast volumes that have been placed there, “instead anecdotal and flippant passing comments are made which is unfortunate.”
The Finance Minister also pointed out that in Guyana’s Parliament the Opposition has an important right to ask questions on any matter of interest to them, “and I believe that it is something that we can be proud of as a nation, that at the end of the Ninth Parliament, no question asked by the Opposition remained unanswered.”
He emphasised that this again shows that Government is responsive, open and transparent and has nothing to hide.
Minister Singh said certain large projects, such as the Marriot Hotel, Amaila Falls and the airport expansion projects have huge potential for a transformative impact on Guyana, however, certain sections of the media and political Opposition “appear content to pursue a narrow agenda designed solely to undermine and besmirch these projects. We have no difficulty answering any questions and providing any documentation in relation to these projects, and instead of making insinuations, many of which are clearly designed to mislead, I believe that the Opposition would be well advised to acquaint themselves with facts.”
He urged that they focus on the facts and form an informed conclusion about the project, instead of simply “opposing for opposing sake, or undermining for undermining sake.”
The Minister noted that these are projects that will improve the lives of Guyanese while creating jobs, as well as improving the business environment and thus the quality of life.
Reiterating that given the obvious beneficial acts for Guyana which are in favour of the people, Minister Singh stated that he can only conclude that, “the insinuations being made by the opposition, are being made to undermine these projects, because of the positive impacts that the projects will have on our country. It’s clearly a political motivation to undermine the projects,” he reiterated.
