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Momodou
Denmark
11823 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jan 2010 : 20:18:58
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2010 Budget: Unreasonable, Unbelievable
By Lamin Njie & Saikou Ceesay
 A renowned legal practitioner has reacted to the 2010 budget describing it as unreasonable and unbelievable.
For Lawyer Assan Martin, “prudence” is what economists need to understand when working on a budget estimate, especially during “tough economic times and the global economic crisis”, when a budget economist should focus on ways to establish a vibrant and stimulant economy, leading to growth in the country.
“Most nations including ours have experience deflating economic activities therefore tax increase is not what is needed to stimulate an economy. There are ways to raise revenue rather than depending on tax increases bearing in mind that most of the people are poor and living below the poverty line,” he said.
He further stated that our economists need to be prudent and sensitive to the plight of the people when formulating economic policy frameworks such as budget and public finance issues.
However, he argued that the “sudden increase” in costs and prices of basic necessities and commodities has raised concern since the average Gambian is struggling to make ends meet. “The drastic increment in basic rights such as passport, license and tax on vehicles will affect most families who depend on transport to make a living. Drivers, nurses and other civil servants are all struggling day to day to make a living. These are people who need help most,” he said.
Martin also mentioned that the price of fuel needs to be looked into as there is a global reduction in oil prices while also expressing his concern over the daily increment of food prices. He further argued that our economists have no yardstick or mechanism in place to control inflation and design policies to generate growth in the economy.
For him, the poor and hard working families should be helped especially those considered as the back bone of our society; such as the civil servants and drivers. Martin believes that our economic advisers should go back to the drawing board and review some aspect of the budget, “as these amounts nothing more than hardship on poor families”.
Lawyer Assan Martin finally suggested that budget reading should be scheduled around the month of June or July for implementation to take effect at the beginning of the following year. Such will give parliament enough time to debate on the budget and the public to have time to embrace the economic changes.
Source: Daily News
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Janko
Gambia
1267 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2010 : 00:53:19
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Thanks, Momodou
Constructive critiques would strengthen the will to do well in governance.
This is the sort of view that inspires governance and enhances betterment within all institutions. Mr. Martin is versed and precise about what needs to be accounted for and be transparent about.
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