A rather clever budget

THE EDITOR: The national budget was fairly balanced to bring

some appeasement to the general public, which I thought was rather
clever. I found it to be one of the better budgets in a long time. The
intent was merely to make us feel comfortable in this perilous time.

Removing the fuel subsidy was a brave decision. Yes, there will be a
severe impact in terms of cost and standard of living for the
population, but the country cannot continue to go down that road.
There will always be the vulnerable in society who needs special
care, but generally one must pay for what is used.

Personal allowance was increased from $72,000 to $84,000 a year

to give some extra disposable income. Although a little sprinkle in
the gulf, it’s better than nothing. Improving business activity is of
utmost importance to the survival of this economy.

There are too many vehicles on the roads of this country. I think
introducing a road toll would have been a better idea because it can
deter one from using one’s vehicle.

Foreign exchange can only be improved by encouraging foreign

trade and so the privatisation of port operations (not the entire
port) is very applicable. Many people may not agree because of loss
of employment, but there is always a price to pay for progress.

With all things being equal, would great things happen? I hold no
crystal ball although it is safe to say that better donkeys have brayed
with no results.

Implementation is the key to success. This can only be achieved by a

collective effort from all of us. Former UNC minister Dr Fuad Khan
suggested a ministry of implementation as in Dubai. A great idea,
but the personnel in that ministry may not implement what needs to
be done.
A budget would never satisfy all the needs of a country and there
will always be opposing forces. Sometimes the problem is those
people who only seek to cause instability.

Some economists and intellectuals offer advice and when the

Government accepts it, the same people find fault. “It should have
been done this way and not that way,” they then say.

EARL MARTIN

Trincity