Caribbean News Desk radio prog: Guyana’s opposition party says “no” to 2015 National Budget…

Last Updated on Thursday, 13 November 2014, 21:23 by GxMedia

The Alliance For Change (AFC) says that it will not approve Guyana’s 2015 National Budget even if it contains hefty salary increases for government employees.

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan told a news conference that his party, which holds seven seats in the National Assembly, will instead re-table the no-confidence motion should President Donald Ramotar end the suspension of Parliament.

Mr. Ramotar prorogued the Parliament on Monday to avoid a no-confidence motion from being debated and passed, moves that would have forced him and his cabinet to resign and call early general elections in 90 days.

You can listen to today’s edition of Caribbean News Desk by first clicking here https://www.dropbox.com/s/ecspw6nwsty5br6/caribnews_nov_13_2014.MP3?dl=0  to download the programme.

While the prorogation of the Parliament can last up to six months, annual budgets must be passed by April 30.

The AFC and A Partnership for National Unity had decided to use their 33 votes and pass the no-confidence motion because the President has refused to sign into law opposition-sponsored Bills. Motions passed by the opposition have been also ignored by government.

The opposition is also concerned that government is spending monies on projects and programmes that have not been approved by the National Assembly.