In Region 6, residents have expressed their satisfaction with the 2024 national budget, describing it as inclusive and filled with opportunities for everyone.
The historic 2024 national budget, surpassing one trillion dollars, has garnered widespread praise, with residents of Region 6 commending its inclusivity and various initiatives aimed at social and structural improvement.
Juanita Barrows, a resident of New Amsterdam, highlighted the historic nature of the budget, stating, “This budget makes history for all Guyanese. We never had a budget for ages that’s worth trillions of dollars and that caters to all Guyanese and also for the development of this community and all the other communities of this and all 10 regions.”
Shawn Smith, a Community Development Officer in Region 6, expressed his belief in the budget’s impact, saying, “This budget is very impactful, and it is the mark of continuation and progress for what the government has set up to do in their manifesto, and we are actually there. From this budget, I can see we pass those targets.”
Joel Amsterdam, another resident of New Amsterdam, specifically pointed out the positive changes in public assistance, stating, “If you look at the children cash grant, they delivered. If you look at old age pension, they promised to raise it to 40 thousand dollars; it is already 36 thousand dollars in a little over 3 years.”
Zamal Hussain, the Regional Vice Chairman of Region 6, emphasized the inclusive nature of the budget, stating, “Everyone will benefit from it because it is people-centered, and there is no one left out in this budget. That is the most important thing, being the Amerindian, people in the agriculture sector, business sector, part-time workers, everyone is being catered for. I think it is one that is going to improve the lives of Guyanese and is to continue with the progress that we have made in the last years.”
Region 6 is set to benefit from various initiatives outlined in the budget, including road upgrades, the construction of call centers and hotels, all aimed at generating employment and fostering development.
Fabiana Mcklmon, reporting for NCN NEWS.