Citizens need a visionary Budget

The citizens of this country need a visionary Budget that will clearly chart the course our Government plans to take in order to lead us to better economic times.

It is a well known saying that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” Our country’s present circumstances call for an approach that incorporates all stakeholders in a meaningful way. We must be able to know and be a part of the Government’s vision.

This is the only way to achieve an all-inclusive approach and inspire a “let’s do this” attitude.

The People’s National Movement (PNM) gave the country the widely accepted Vision 2020 under former prime minister Patrick Manning. Dr Keith Rowley (now Prime Minister) proposed Vision 2030 during the PNM’s election campaign.

The reality is that times and circumstances have changed.

The PNM has advanced the position that it met the economy in a worst position than expected after assuming office last year.

As a result, is there a new vision? Under these new circumstances the population needs to know if Vision 2030 still stands or if there is a new vision or even an amended version.

Communication is the hallmark of leadership and the country is not only in need of reporting but we also need forecasting.

For a Budget to be visionary, it has to show how the schedule of allocations leads to benefits in the short, medium and long term and for which specific segments of the population.

The visionary Budget must be delivered in a way that justifies increased taxes and shows the way out of debt, while considering those most vulnerable in the process.

Additionally, there can be no visionary Budget that does not have specific allocations dedicated to youth development and youth empowerment.

The last financial year has seen increased taxes, spending cuts and reduced subsidies.

These measures all have negative effects on disposable income and ultimately the standard of living of our taxpaying citizens. While the message of not having as much as we used to is echoed loud and clear, we still need to know how citizens will ultimately benefit from these sacrifices.

A visionary Budget can only come from visionary leadership with the necessary foresight and imagination. It is the anticipation of the people that Rowley will lead the PNM to deliver a visionary 2016-2017 Budget so that the Government’s vision can be shared and appreciated by the citizenry as we move forward.

Ronald Huggins St Joseph