Budget ’25- random comments

In spite of the efforts of some seasoned but misguided politicians, the 2025 Budget was successfully debated and approved by the House of Assembly last week. While it contains many positive features where development of our country and the poorer people in our society are concerned, its context in relation to the future of our country, must not be taken lightly.

Too many people in our country, especially many who should know better, take an approach to such matters of national interest which is guided by their own personal outlook and perceived interests rather than the actual budgetary provisions. In addition, and I have asked this question years ago, where is the public debate, the contributions and conclusions of our intelligentsia, on such matters, to provide the rest of us with some guidance?

It is a pity that we have an Opposition in the House, the majority of whom seem to have learnt little since being in Parliament. We keep hearing the same cliches year after year, “dissing” the Budget, but providing no new perspectives nor alternative ideas or policies. It gave Prime Minister Gonsalves, who should have been put under pressure if the Opposition is indeed ready for office after the next election, as claimed by them, to have room to be scathingly critical of them.

The lack of an overall clear analysis and perspective on the overall economic and political situation of the country results in an oppositionist approach of nit-picking on issues, many of them trivial, rather than making out a solid case for rejection of the ULP government and its policies and presenting an alternative approach. If you are making out a case to be THE ALTERNATIVE, then it is not enough to just make criticisms, that alternative must be presented so we can know what is on offer.

That is what left room for PM Gonsalves to roundly criticize the entire Opposition and accuse them of having no solutions to the challenges before the country. In the run-up to the next elections, should it not have been the shoe on the other foot? Is it the policies, especially in relation to the recovery after hurricane Beryl, which are at the root of many of our difficulties, or do the roots lie in such areas as implementation and effectiveness?

The critical concern over the public debt is certainly a genuine one which should be shared by us all, but you cannot simply criticize and ignore the context and not comment on things like our ability to repay loans or suggest alternative approaches.

As for the Government, it is not beyond reproach and in an election year, cannot and must not simply rely on the obvious shortcomings of the Opposition to stake its claims for re-election. It needs to do some serious soul-searching and self-criticism. Thus, as it boasts of its achievements, does it not cross its mind, that how after all these “great” programmes and “magnificent” achievements, to recall the words of the Prime Minister, why is it that it is still facing a formidable challenge from an Opposition it dismisses as “inept”? Surely after more than two decades including the undoubted success of the”Education Revolution”, why should so many of its assistance programmes be viewed, not just by the Opposition alone, as mere “handouts” aimed at winning political support?

It brings me back to what should be the essence of the Education Revolution, no doubt an outstanding success in terms of providing critically needed opportunities to our youth. However, time and again, even in the last Budget debate, it is revealed that academic and professional education alone are not enough. There is ample evidence that ,starting among the highest ranks of the ULP, there is a dearth of solid political understanding, revealing a lack of political education.

As a result, such tasks and political teachings seem to be still the purview of the Prime Minister himself. Dr. Gonsalves is proud of saying that we must let the young people soar with their wings unclipped. All well and good, but when they take off and soar, they must be reminded that “Birds fly high, but ……”. If one is to lead one must also be prepared to be led, advised. One cannot substitute selectionism for popular participation.

Just last week in our editorial, we wrote about the efforts of the government to substitute genuine and independent organization of youth by its “Prime Ministerial Advisory Council”. Sure there is room for any such advisory body, but the best advice and help that it can give is on rebuilding the National Youth Council and the importance of building democracy from the roots – through democratic bodies like Village Councils and Town Boards, elected by the people, in encouraging young people to join and use their educational and professional training to help to develop vibrant bodies at all levels. It was so disappointing to later hear one of the government senators reveal her lack of understanding of these issues, but I don’t bash them. As we say, “Father forgive them….”

Both sides must re-examine themselves for the baton must be passed and hence preparations for leadership made. We are too formally educated to accept mediocrity and hide behind the outstanding laurels of the Prime Minister. We have much more to offer if we harness our abilities and possibilities.

• Renwick Rose is a Social and Political commentator.