Opposition leader backs UG debt wipeout, calls for expansion of agri. ventures

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton says he is not pleased with the 2024 National Budget in its entirety but he welcomes the government’s proposed measure of wiping out student loans owed by graduates of the University of Guyana.

In the $1.146 trillion budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday, the government proposes to eliminate the loans owed by graduates who are employed or self-employed for a minimum period to be specified subsequently.

“We have been saying over the years that we need to abolish student loans and they are moving in that direction and we welcome it,” the Opposition Leader said.

However, he added, “We also expected free education because there is money for it.”

The debt wipeout announced on Monday is part of a phased approach at making tertiary education completely free by 2025, as promised by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) in its manifesto ahead of the 2020 General and Regional elections.

In an interview with the News Room last week ahead of the presentation of the budget, the Finance Minister assured the public that the party remains steadfast to this commitment now that it is in government.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader also told the News Room that a focus on expanding agriculture is necessary.

According to him, poverty and a high cost of living are two crucial issues Guyanese grapple with. If Guyana is able to produce more food, particularly in hinterland and rural areas, Norton believes that citizens would be able to manage cost of living increases better.

“You have to put more resources into developing agriculture in all the regions. Guyana can no longer depend on Region 2, 3 4, 5 and 6.

“It has to be expanded and it should be done and linked to agro-processing,” Norton said.

Guyana is currently leading the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) ambitious food security agenda of reducing costly extra-regional food imports by 25% by 2025. Guyana has been encouraging its CARICOM sister nations to grow more food and trade more among each other.

Guyana itself has increased food production, venturing into new areas including corn, soya and high-value crops like broccoli and cauliflower.