Assembly leaders give first reactions to Budget Address 2021 |17 February 2021

Hon. Pillay (photos left) and Hon. Georges

The leaders in the National Assembly – Hon. Sebastien Pillay (leader of the opposition) and Hon. Bernard Georges (leader of government business – have given their first reactions to the Budget address 2021 delivered by the Minister for Finance, Economic Planning & Trade Naadir Hassan yesterday.

‘Without much substance’ – Hon. Pillay

“My first reactions are that the budget was a long presentation without much substance! The Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, complained too much without giving us tangible solutions how to solve the issues. He kept on saying that this is the economic situation that he inherited. I would suggest to the minister to stop complaining and follow the example of his leader, the President, who said it is not time to say ‘this Government’ or ‘that Government’, it is ‘the Government’. My biggest fear with this budget is what will happen to the most vulnerable people in our society. This is something we will all need to focus on.”

‘Sensational’ – Hon. Georges

“The Budget address was ‘sensational’. It was clearly presented and to the point. The Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan, addressed all the important points that were needed. He made two lists – one, things that need to be fixed and the other one he proposed solutions. He was very comprehensive and it was an easy budget to follow. Vulnerable people should not be scared as the budget is very clear. Those who are able to work, will be asked to go to work and those who cannot work will be assisted after a means test. Welfare support is still there and this cannot get out of the budget and no one should be scared. Obviously there will be reviews and decisions that will be taken to review the merit of those needing assistance and those who do not!”

Vidya Gappy