No new taxes likely in budget


Guyana Chronicle
March 16, 2000


NO NEW taxes are likely in this year's National Budget due by the end of the month, Finance Minister, Mr Sasenaraine Kowlessar hinted yesterday.

He said preparations are advanced and he and a team are working towards a March 31 deadline, in accordance with the Constitution.

This however, does not rule out the possibility of an earlier date, he added.

Sources have indicated that Budget Day may be March 24.

In giving a sneak preview into the preparations, the minister said the team concentrated heavily on several areas including the social sectors, increased poverty alleviation, micro enterprise and skilled labour.

The plans saw the team holding consultations with prominent figures in the private and public sectors and leaders of non-governmental, religious and other organisations and groupings.

Key players in the budget preparations include Head, Budget Unit, Ministry of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan; Mr Clive Roopchand, with 19 years experience in budget preparation; and Mr Tarachand Balgobin, Divisional Head, Project Cycle Management, with 10 years experience.

Kowlessar, who is at the helm of the budget preparation for the first time, described the exercise as challenging and a great experience.