Budget 2024 is an “Amerindian and Indigenous Friendly” Budget says Honourable Anand Persaud Member of Parliament Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, on day one of the Parliamentary Budget Debates 2024. The honourable Minister posited that several initiatives accounted for in the presented 2024 budget will allow undeniable development for the nation’s indigenous peoples, especially its youths.
He further stated “The old must give way to the young people. The PPP/C Administration believes in and will reward our youth with training and jobs they are our leaders of tomorrow in a modern Guyana.” In the same vein, Honourable Member of Parliament Lee Williams posited that “there is development taking place in every Amerindian village in every region”
Despite, compelling arguments affirming budgetary allowances for the indigenous people whether through the training of youths or the construction of heritage buildings, the opposing side remained unwavering in their stance against the proposed budget. Honourable Ronald Cox Member of Parliament, mentioned that there has been ongoing “disrespect and disregard” for the indigenous people of the nation. He further stated that “the budget 2024 measures do not adequately address any serious attempts at prosperity for all”.
He further stated that “it is no secret that high cost-of-living hardships forced the ordinary hard-working and decent citizens of this nation to (…) of marginal existence and survival, it takes great skill and resilience to survive in the current environment”