In dismissing the criticisms made by opposition members of parliament concerning the 2024 National Budget, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo stated that the large majority of them have no policy experience, and as such are not able to make meaningful contributions.
“Every day for the remainder of the budget you will hear the same criticisms, nothing serious,” stated the Vice President.
He explained that the Opposition’s actions highlight the difference between the two parties and that it shows why the PPP/C stays in Government “for long periods.”
Jagdeo responded to opinions in the Media that stated the sale of country’s oil resources will allow for the Government to be able to hand out millions at a time to each citizen.
He stated that this will create a “syndrome of dependency”, that no country in the world has ever created. According to the PPP/C General Secretary, these handouts will bankrupt the country in a single year.
He agreed that the resources in the Oil and Gas Sector will grow to allow the Government to cater to the needs of citizens. However, he explained that it is impossible to come to a point where the citizens can stop working and the State will be able to hand out money to them
Jagdeo addressed the claims made by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton about the Government’s removal of the school buses for children.
He explained that “the buses that Granger got and put his name on and he got donated to him from businessmen…” were never entered into the record of the Government.
Instead of commenting on buses, Jagdeo stated Norton should talk about the $8 billion APNU took away from children in their time in office. According to him, that money could have bought about 1000 buses.