Budget passage closer… -after gov’t, APNU deal

Government whip Gail Teixeira (right) conferring with Finance Minister Ashni Singh yesterday.

APNU has signalled that it would work with the government for the approval of the national budget and joint talks yesterday produced an increase in the old age pension to $10,000 along with the opposition coalition’s decision to withhold support for the AFC’s move to cut public spending.

After meetings between Speaker Raphael Trotman and members of both government and opposition delayed the start of the sitting of the National Assembly by three hours, the 26 members of main opposition APNU withheld their votes when AFC member Khemraj Ramjattan attempted to move amendments to cut $3.8 billion in spending from the budget. Government accused the AFC of threatening the livelihood of contracted workers with its proposal and hundreds of workers took to the streets in protest at Ramjattan’s motion.

The motion was, however, defeated hours after a government team led by President Donald Ramotar and including Finance Minister Ashni Singh met with an opposition team comprised of