NDP Press Release On Budget 2019
On the 29th January, the government will present the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2019. The following week, on February 4th the government will present its Budget for the year 2019.
I don’t know specifically what will be in the Budget, what the government will be offering the people of this country. Generally, though I expect it will be more of the same! Old wine in new bottles.
What I can promise you is that the Opposition will hold the Government accountable for what it puts in the Estimate and Budget and what is missing from it.
Over the years, there has been a lot missing: jobs have been missing; effective crime fighting has been missing; reputable foreign direct investment has been missing; negotiated public service salary increases have been missing; effective plan for tourism has been missing, and basic supplies for our health care system has been missing.
Most of all, what has been missing is a credible plan and program to bring about economic growth and development in SVG.
The people cannot bear any more taxes! The last three budgets increase VAT. The people are crying under the yoke of taxation and unemployment. So, no more.
The government must be more creative in generating revenue. It simply cannot put its hand in people’s pocket every time it wants more money.
