I do hope and expect the Opposition to approach the budget debate with maturity, magnanimity and a sense of purpose.
It is time we to depart from the knee-jerk reflex rhetoric of the budget being "draconian," "deceptive," "anti-people" and "sting in the tail."
These are all cliched and should be relegated to means of last resort. All national budgets are deceptive since they are predicated on assumptions, predictions and policy.
As Opposition you will be there for the next five years or whenever general elections are called. You have been removed from government and are now languishing in the opposition.
I know you think that part of your duty is to not make the Government look good, but you have to show and prove to the people that you are a worthy opposition and the government in waiting.
No government that is worth its salt will deliberately or otherwise engage in anti-people activities and more so the PNM.
They know the heavy price they paid for such praxis.
Opposing just for opposing sake does not cut it and is infantile and ludicrous. Petulance is not an option. The guiding principle should be what is best for the citizens and the country.
Yes, dismantle the budget presentation, analyse it and make your meaningful contribution. Acknowledge the good and show where you would have done otherwise in the areas of disagreement.
You were there. You know how it works and that experience should enhance your preparation.
Show the people that you are serious, mature, willing and able and maybe hope for some implosion in the government.
Sahadeo Ragoonanan
Indian Walk, Princes Town