By Sue-Ann Wayow
EXPECT an early budget this year.
This was announced by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley during a press conference on Monday.
Dr Rowley said that Minister of Finance Colm Imbert will make decisions based on the mid-year review, the volatility of the market and the ability to manage affairs.
He said, “We have an early budget bringing the population into the picture and the parliament as soon as we can.”
On September 2, Imbert should also be making a presentation concerning Government’s proposal to increase the salaries of public servants.
Dr Rowley said however, that there was no way that Government can afford to pay public servants a 20% increase as being proposed by the trade unions.
He said, “The population should pay attention and advise yourself to make the kinds of decisions, indicate what you will support or what you will not support, but only after you have been properly informed on the facts of the situation.
Dr Rowleys said three things continued to threaten revenue which were: the fall in prices of oil and gas, the Russia-Ukraine war and the performance of the US market especially as the Heritage and Stabalisation Fund is invested into US assets.
August calendar of events
The prime minister also informed the public of several events taking place next month including Independence Day celebrations.
He said on August 18, President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali will be making a state visit on the eve of part two of the Caricom Agricultural Investment Forum which is scheduled to take place in Trinidad on August 19.
One of the events planned for the forum is a major agricultural exhibition planned at the Queen’s Park Savannah involving displays from Trinidad and Tobago and the region.
Dr Rowley said it was the intention of Caricom through such forums to encourage investors to enhance food security for the region.
Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness has also accepted an invitation to be a guest at the nation’s 60th anniversary Independence Day celebrations.
“It’s a milestone that we should pay some attention to,” Dr Rowley said.
For the first time in two years, the celebrations that usually includes a grand parade in the capital city will take place.
Dr Rowley said an Independence committee was in place to plan activities that should stem from mid-August to Republic Day on September 24.
“Our normal independent celebrations will take place,” he said.
Additionally, other activities will take place mainly involving involve art and culture.
On Thursday, the Cabinet will approve the budget for what the committee plans to do and further information may be given by Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis.
