The budget debate entered its second day today - and at this hour, it's still going….
As we have reported, the opposition side only has three debating members, and Leader of the Opposition Shyne Barrow opened up day one, while Tracy Panton was the second to speak on day 2.
She said the Prime Minister's budget lacks all heart:...
Tracy Taegar Panton, Albert Rep - UDP
"Madam Speaker, I listened carefully to the Prime Minister's budget speech in the National Assembly on March 10. Impotence on any new strategies to navigate the current economic times and what lies ahead. The PM in his usual fashion, reverted to his status quo approach, beating his chest blaming the United Democratic Party, offering no meaningful relief or real solutions for the crippling costs of living. I truly marveled, Madam Speaker, on how boisterous the Prime Minister was in his pronouncements of the historic economic performance of his administration, completely aloof and devoid of the day to day realities on the ground, we must insist, we must demand that this Administration Act in a manner that will defend livelihoods and support those who are being pushed to the margins of poverty as a result. Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister in his budget presentation, again, beating his chest, boasted that times of austerity were essentially behind us. Madam Speaker, I quote, once again, "I table a new budget that contains a primary surplus and a budget that does not include any tax increases whatsoever", end of quote. How disingenuous when there is no relief on fuel at the pump. As we say in local parlance, Madam Speaker, full di talk, but da noh fool di listen."
