The National Assembly’s Committee of Supply on Monday approved the budgetary allocations for the Departments of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport but not before subject minister Dr. George Norton faced intense questioning from the opposition on planned expenditure.
A total of $836.125 million was allocated for the Social Cohesion Department.He said too that allocation of $49 million under the heading “National and Other Events” will cater for the ministry’s participation in the Mashramani celebrations, the hosting of harmony village, social cohesion weeks and an inter religious conference.
Norton said that among the highest paid employees at the Social Cohesion Department is a programme coordinator, who earns $441,000, and three technical officers, who each earn $280,900.
He also indicated his willingness to submit the list of all employees, their salaries and where they are based.
A total of $1.08 billion has been allocated for cultural preservation and conservation.
Asked by opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Frank Anthony about an allocation for the Guyana Prize for Literature, the minister said that it was not part of his responsibility. “That is not under our [the Department] remit… I don’t know whose,” he said.
He later disclosed that Castellani House was given a $70 million increase in the 2019 budget to support the hosting of visual arts exhibitions.
Norton was also pressed to provide information on the allocation of $350 million for the Republic jubilee celebrations in 2020 and how the various venues were chosen.
Before acceding to a request by the opposition to have a detailed breakdown laid over to the House, Norton explained that sums will be spent on the upgrading of various venues in the ten administrative regions where activities associated with the grand celebrations will be held. He later explained that more money has been allocated for repairs to the roof of the National Cultural Centre. Phase one was completed in 2018 and the 2019 allocation is expected to cover phase 2.
Norton said that the replacement of the chairs in the centre is being done in a phased manner but he did not say when it is likely to be completed. The installation of the lighting system is currently in progress, he added.
With regards to the youth programme, a total of $1.04 billion was allocated and approved.
In response to questions, the minister disclosed that in 2019, the public education aspect of the National Youth Policy will be conducted in all regions at a cost of $4 million.
Further, a total of $1.229 billion was approved for Sport.
Norton disclosed that in 2018 a generator was acquired for the National Stadium and for 2019, one will be acquired for D’Urban Park to help cushion electricity charges.
Under capital expenditure, two synthetic tracks, one at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam in Region Six, pegged to cost $141.8 million, and the other in Bayrock Centre Ground at Wismar, Linden, estimated at $178.9 million, will be built. Noting that work has already begun, he said that the contract for both facilities is for six months. Work will also be done on the National Gymnasium and grounds around the country, he said.
