Teixeira challenges opposition to show ‘better path to progress’

PPP/C MP Gail Teixeira has challenged the parliamentary political parties to submit “a better path to progress” to the National Assembly since they have not “seconded any of the administration’s plans in the Budget”.

A Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) press release quoted Teixeira as saying during Wednesday’s debate on the budget “I am still looking forward to the day in this House when I can hear a rather well-put presentation on the part of the Opposition.” She also queried, “other than the path that we are on…What is the path to reduce the levels of poverty in our country?” Teixeira added “Sometimes I wonder if I am in a House of Guyanese or foreigners who don’t like Guyana. Not one proposal came from the Opposition benches on their own ideas and views on what they think are of a macro-economic framework that can be put in place.”

During her presentation Teixeira also said it was unfortunate that little or no acknowledgement was given to the reality of the rising cost of oil on the international market and the fact that Guyana’s economy grew during this period. “Despite these major global developments in 2007 the economy realized real growth of 5.4 percent, sustaining the 5.1 percent of 2006 and above the projected 4.9 percent. And if this is not an indication of good fiscal management I don’t know what is,” she contended. The party said that prudent management of the economy has resulted in a friendly and growing investment climate locally.

Teixeira, also Presidential Advisor on Governance, argued that Guyana is now ranked as a lower-middle income country in the July 2007 World Bank Report and not a lower-income economy country anymore. The latest Poverty Reduction Strategy Report revealed that the poverty rate in 2006 dropped to 18.6 per cent from 28.7 per cent in 1992 and therefore, “the biggest decrease in poverty reduction has been those in the extreme poverty group,” Teixeira said.

Meanwhile, MP and PPP/C General Secretary Donald Ramotar said it is time for a united front and for every Guyanese to support the Joint Services in their pursuit of criminals. He contended that the gangs that have been carrying out ruthless killings are not ordinary gangs and their actions should not be linked to poverty.