Budget debates…Cut the budget and you will cut your votes and seats – Labour Minister tells Opposition

Apr 02, 2014 News

Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul during the debates yesterday at the National Assembly warned the Opposition, “Cut the budget and you will cut your votes and your seats.”
Of course this was met with much disapproval and comments of disgust by members of the Opposition.
The Member of Parliament made the comment following his declaration that the “ailing sugar industry” will make a great turnaround before year end.

Labour Minister
Dr. Nanda Gopaul

Gopaul noted that the Opposition has been saying that they will not lend their support for subventions to the sugar industry. He said that if they are supposed to be the government-in-waiting then they should act objectively and not move forward with that course of action.
Gopaul stated that as it relates to the poor performance of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, it is largely due to the People’s National Congress Reform, who employed an incompetent management board during their time. The government, he said, is to date still paying for the effects of that decision.
Heckling came down heavily from both the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as he continued with this presentation.
Gopaul then reminded the members of the AFC that they came from the bowels of the People’s Progressive Party Civic and the late President Cheddi Jagan would “turn in his grave” if they did not support the subvention for the ailing sector.
He appealed to the members of the Opposition to work together in the interest of the people.
“As politicians we have to work together and do what is in the interest of these people.”
But it was here that APNU members then advised him that if he cares so much about the interest of the people then he should lobby for the local government bills to be passed.
While he did not respond to this remark, he charged at the conclusion of his presentation, which was based on his 2013 report of his Ministry that the government will continue to work feverishly to build a better Guyana and work in the interest of the country.
“Another election will not solve the issues in Guyana… Opposition, as you cut the budget you will cut your votes and you will cut your seats.”