Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698069866892.pdf (Guyana)
.... � � SICOND COUNCIL Orders Provisions) (Temporary under the British (Constituted Guiana (Constitution) 1953 and 1956).

''20th January, ·in Council, Wednesday, 1960 The Council met at 2 p.m.

PRESENT: His Honour Sir Donald Jack!On Hon.

D. M. Hedges Q.C.

Hon.

A. M. I. Austin, Speaker, Chief Secretary, Attorney-General, Secretary, Financial B. H. Benn The Honourable } ex officio Hon.

F. W. Essex, C.M.G.
F. W. Essex, C.M.G.

River -Member for Essequibo (Minister Resources) of Natural -Member for Western (Minister Housing) Essequibo and Health of Lab0ur, •• " Janet Jagan " " Ram Karrau -M ember for Demerara-Essequibo of Communications and (Minister Works) -Member for Central (Minister Demerara of Community and Education).

Development " " B. S. Rai Mr. R. B. Gajraj " W. 0.

R. Kendall " R.C.

Tello F.Bowman " L.F. S. Burnham ,, S. Campbell A.L.
Jackson ._ ,, S. M. �affee Ajodba Singh ,, Jai Narine Singh " R. E. Davis A.M. Fredericks " H.J.

M. Hubbard ,, ,, A. G. Tasker, 1'- Central -Nominated Member - Member for New Amsterdam -Nominated Member River -Member for Demerara - Member for Georgetown -Member for North Western -Member for Georgetown North Berbice -Member for Western River -Member for Berbice -Member for Georgetown -Nominated Member -Nomi'nated Member MerJJber -Nominated Member.

South District O.B.E.-Nominated Mr;.


I. Crum Ewing - Clerk of the Legislature Mr. E. V. Viapree - As-sistant Clerk of the Legislature.

ABs:iNT: of Trade and Industry.

The Hon.

Dr. C. B. Jagan - Minister Mr. E. B. Beharry-Member for Eastern Demerara.

The Clerk re,ad,_p�:t� .. -� _ ... - �--£-/ 249 Speaker's Avpeal 20TH JANUARY, 1960 Appropriation Bill 250 MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting of the 19th January, held on Tuesday, Council 1960, as printed taken as read and confirmed.
and circulated, were SPEAKER'S APPEAL We are to resume the debate on the Motion of the Appro­ n Bill.

Last night when the Mr. Speaker: this afternoon for the Second Reading priatio adjournment for Georgetown Before I ask him to resume, make an observation.

was taken the hon.

Member Central I wish to was speaking.

the Budget Statement as that I said it wa� g, Sir, not from had described gloomy.

I remember Uninspirin uninspiring.


the point of view of its literary composi­ tion, which is of the usual high order, but uninspiring that careful and no real hope to anyone in our com­ munity.

from the point of view study of it gives no promise I am not unmindful of the hopes time to time in the but these hopes are based in on guesses expressed from Speech, many iinstances the piety of which can hardly be sur­ In proof of my comments passed.
to examine Budget Statement, the greater rather closely part of the Speech.

I propose and carefully and hopes, on this It has been brought to my attention exchanges dignified were made sotto a Member on his feet and remarks, personal were nor becoming, that at some stage during the debate yesterday, v.oce between one or more on the floor in the course of which disparaging neither made or exchanged.

to learn that Members of this Honourable Council would derogate scruples here.
Repetition behaviour duct will make the general debate retrograde; ment will be fostered, than heal, will fester.

of such con­ trend of and resent­ bitterness rather and hurts, which should at least influence I was sorely from those grieved I earnestly eschew in the future it can only tend to lower the dignity this Council relationships, neither the country.

appeal to Members to for of personal and to imperil such anattitude, of which is good for Very early in the Speech, the hon.
after apologizing Secretary, by referring and that Members of thi!

; that was controversial in an industrial dispute­ of the Budget-which he to the fact Estimates had to the Financial for the lateness explained partly that the Development be promulgated who were most intimately con­ Council cerned with it were personally involved as employers he went on to trust that Members would find little the Recurrent mates.

That trust was no doubt based on the fact that there was no proposal of of taxation.
any moment for on this side We, unfortunately of the Council non-controversial was introduced.

troversial duced, plans not adumbrated, foresight typed pages.
merely because I for one find it con­ not for the taxa•tion the increase however, not said, for the for the lack of on every one of the 24 closely­ or the Development do not find the Budget but for the things not intro­ in either no tax Esti­ BILL APPROPRIATION BUDGET DEBATE resumed Secretary's Council Financial Second Reading the debate on the Motion for the of the Bill intituled, to appropriate "An Ordinance granted plies Legislative Council."
the sup­ Session of the in the current from $160 million to $208 2 of his speech, the pointed out Secretary had in­ Product In paragraph hon.
the Financial that the Gross Domestic creased over the period million figure provisional $223 million, originally, year he forecast to $208 million, 1952-1956. for 1957 had been, His a drop of the 1958 figure which represents a re- and even last Mr. Burnham: Mr. Speaker, was taken last night I the adjournment before 251 Appropriation Bill - !Judget Debate 20TH iANUARY, 1960 252 and the as industrialization is concerned we have of new products, introduction year in 1959. had a backward difficult to follow the figures to the 1956 figures to the level of 1956.
Last year as he now admits from the that it is not fair to describe the of British Guiana, as stagnating.

his logic of 1958 version he deduced, figures, country It is a little on this point because a reversion represent -a period of two years over which period, would have increased.

At last, Mr. Speaker, I recognize is wrong to recognize still.

connotes way of thinking, however, disclose cally.

the figures economi­ a marching backwards, what be means.

He means iL the population that stagn�tior.


According of course, standing to my He, however, makes a concession Product to be $224 million as a whole, and here this year.

The Gross Domestic for 1959 is likely when the economy I quote, fallen below its exceptionally and will be 1958 back since " ... is still marking time.
Sugar has good year of well possibili­ There is the usual comment on our to and some detailed trend in price and the downward reference self, the feels confi­ to the sugar in­ for 1960 would be met by the in­ but what are the present meeting that Secre­ ?

The hon.

the Financial re­ the 1959 Budget, exports sugar.

With his usual buoyant hon.


the Financial Secretary dent that the challenge dustry dustry, ties of the industry challenge tary, in presenting cognized which sugar faced at that the difficulty time.

Now in 1960, while still hoping that this industry challenge that the free market price in the United Kingdom for sugar for 1960 is going to be in the vicinity of $28.24 lower than that for 1959.

He is also faced with the fact that the Canadian price is also going to be much lower than what it had year.
It is good to been in the previous hope, but it is my contention must be based on facts.

will be able to meet the he is faced with the faci that hopes posed, 1957."

to our I propose that rice shows signs of Later on, economy.

We are informed giiving a fillip Mr. Speaker, to deal with this question produc­ of rice, the accelerated by Miss tion of which has been described as being referable O'Lougblin to social and political rather than to economic reasons ones.

Sccre- When the hon.


the Financial -tary comes to deal with the volume of The hon.

the Attorney-General did it is difficult of the Budget.

I am for me to appreciate refer to the realism afraid what sense of realism ernment to try would be able to meet the challenge that faces it.
has led this Gov­ that the sugar indus­ believe an balanoe--it nearly $9 million in a fully-developed and in other circumstances th2t been proud-a fact which period given us some pleasure; was lower than The exports for the first formed, represented trade over the year 1959, be remarks of rice, we are in- unfavourable 1958.

Perhaps, nine months of 1959 country or over would have been a fact of which we three times what they were for the same would have in 1958.
That is very good but, but as we shall see later and as has been would have by the hon.

in an under-developed in this Council British of Trade and Industry, increase are seeking industries able balance by the tact that there was less importa-rice is problematic.
tion of heavy machinery, bemoan and something source of pleasure; our industrial to increase in this country, is somethiug which is not a Government country like admitted to Minister the number of only 5 % of the national for it means, so far into a false -sense to to any other conclusion Guiana where we are seeking of trade which is explained where we a marginal then we shall see later that than that this to lure the public -----�- 1 production, and on rice at an unfavour-if we are to place great hopes of security.
And I cannot come this stage, is trying output, crop.

In 1958, it represented rice is j -·.

.,.,....._..

-- 253 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate2.54 .. increase i,ts production.

What strikes us as a little strange (MR. BURNHAM] has We have noted that the latter the export value being than of 1958.
As I noted facts and figures in in value, increased 11 % greater and heard these of the latter, respect this Government whether to investigate possible ther and see whether, tives if there is the market, may not be encouraged rather, more than a suspicion ment, though willing sions to new industries, forward-looking tries that have existed be given the incentive the industries production propose I was wondering would find it fur­ the situation by way of incen­ the industry to double or, I have that this Govern­ to make conces­ for some time can if of tax holidays their to increase and employ more persons.
to recognize is not sufficiently that indus­ on the Financial the level of the level of ex­ And the recession.

We have to rely entirely Secretary to say whether export in 1959 reached port in 1957, before even if the level of export would show that 1959 was as good a year as 1957, that does not mean progress, when, as in this case, we have to bargain with tlie fact that the population increased year by year.
has especially of bauxite and aluminum, in our in which have a has been started Surinam, country, on this point is that in spite of the world recession new project neighbouring I understand, 150 million guilders been spent.

It is not enough to come to this Council and say that things at a standstill, low because the recession Did the recession have no effect Surinam?

that there are other factors contributed over the year 19 59, which factors to refer to later.

attempt are Did on Jamaica?


upon '· which have still to our economy standing I shall there was a recession.

have no effect from time to time are bad, our economy is our bauxite exports I am led to the conclusion As is usual in every Budget which to hear, re­ is made to bauxite, I have had the good fortune ference, of course, sugar and rice.

They are the 'Big Three' of our economy as confessed the Financial Secretary.
change their order but the fact that they are the three industries mainly rely, sacrilegious beginning I would add, so long as we have this unimaginative l on which we one is almost tempted to be by saying, "As it was in the and by the hon.

Th�y may Government.

In fact, one of the factors to which is now and ever shall be"; We know there has been some in its guesses.

that the value it bauxite in 1959 was 45% of the bauxite anticipated industry but less in 1959 by the hon.
Here, again, that this Govern­ recovery than was the Financial Secretary.

has been established ment has been inaccurate Of course, we understand of calcined higher during three-quarters of the year in than the volume over the same period 1958.

But I wonder whether the hon.

the Financial would not have been good enough to tell us what were the figures cession than in 1958, the year of admitted re­ cession.

tion.
tion.

We are not in a position for 1957, before higher intervened-45% the re­ in 1959 Secretary We did not get much informa­ to know.

hoping that foreign attractive Planning for words from the hon.

which he statement him, the I should refer finds me a plagiarist, I am borrowing Financial Secretary's made in 1959.
As I understood was not merely Surinam Government •· industry piously but, would find the country first of all, it had an overall Unit of planning co-ordinating the efforts then adver­ units set up in each sector, of the country and tised the studiously sought of the Alcoa Company.

In cases of under-developed the Govern­ and undeveloped countries, investors ment has to court foreign same way as a young man seeks to court the love of his lady friends.
remembered, have not the industries to buoy up our economy is not enough to inspire who are in a position to help us.

Sec­ ondly, so far as I know, there is not a sur­ plus exportable potentialities the favour It must be first of all, that to say we those in the and expendable capital 255 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate256 in the wQrld and, furthermore, Guiana is not the only under-developed country ists and investors more of that later.

capital­ But to its shores.


which seeks to attract British would-be to interest We admire the "pork-knock­ gone out and sought investors.

ers"; they are the backbone industry, Ltd. is proof of the solidated fact that we cannot depend entirely upon "pork-knockers" our output of gold and/or diamonds.

but the exit of the B.G.
Con­ Goldfields, if we are to increase of our mining area was on diamonds of the area thrown facilities are to take We join in the shouts of joy with to the success story respect for the year 1959, and we note with pleasure that the Imbaimadai thrown open to "pork-knockers" during the past year by the present Government, but we bemoan the lack of foresight on the part of the Government in merely throwing making open the area without such transport available as are necessary if pork-knockers full advantage open.
It is an incontrov that "pork-knockers" lmbaimadai.

the deep pocket is not that we grudge the deep pocketed man the right to get into that area to but one would have mine diamonds, have thought that Government would such that sought to make the facilities both the and the small rich investors "pork-knockers" to take advantage area.

Perhaps the absence question would have of mining in this new someone may say that It is only the man with there.

It who can reach of this Government.


of foresight is typical fact ,ertible cannot get to been able in this particular Com­ We note that the Manganese and we are pany will go into production, happy about it.

We suspect that one of this Government estimate for 1960 is likely to revenue near right, that is the estimate to be obtained and export from with respect to be pretty of royalty Guiana.

British from manganese mining The Financial the same.
That again is part to note with re­ th.at there was a which I think are It of the country.

of bever­ were but food imports Secretary, in para­ graph 9 of his Budget Statement, pro­ ceeds to deal with imports.

He points out, as I have already remarked, that there has been a drop in the 1:1nfavourable balance for reasons bad for the economy is interesting, however, goods, gard to consumer decrease in 1959 in imports ages and tobacco, virtually of the gloomy picture.
found more people living ana than in 1958.
If this decrease imports this standing imports the ct:omestic might have from the lips of the Financial himself cant increase consequently, draw from this fact, which is narrated at paragraph piece of evidence in 1959. money in circulation we hear that there is no signifi­ and in domestic products, which I the conclusion Gui­ in and and tobacco in the volume of food in an increase in then perhaps it but bother, The year 1959 in British 9, is that this is another that there wa:s less of beverages were reflected given us less Secretary product still We note with the same amount of But what and that the pro­ that Ltd. Secretary, Goldfields, sorrow as the Financial the B.G.
Consolidated has left these .shores, duction of gold has suffered.

does this mean?

"That there must be some guld in those hills and rivers, still and if there is, the 'pork-knockers' will undoubtedly find it," to quote the Finan­ cial Secretary.

first of all we would have known why the Company left; we should have ascer­ tained ties with respect if we were satisfied our experts, both financial the cal, that we would have publicized fact that there is a workable of gold, and as .would.
have been done by other countries from the reports and geologi­ to gold in that area, and of what were the potentiali­ exactly reserve I should have thought that The gloominess of the picture · deepens cial Secretary's of his Budget Statement, formation remarking in our circumstances, between when one considers account during the past year.
After on the increase the Finan­ in paragraph of gross capital of $8 million be- 1954 and 1955;·$2 million 10 - i51 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate258 [MR. BURNHAM] tween 1955 and 1956, $15 million 1956 and 1957, and then $5 between million between 1957 and 1958, he says: "There is unlikely to have been the same increase but there is no reason is any significant savings or investment."
between 1958 and 1959, that there to believe falling off in the level of in his reply to the debate the Perhaps will tell us on what Secret.ary Financial that there will facts he bases this belief off in the level be no significant falling in 1959 as of savings or investment against 11 he says: 1958.
Then in paragraph that consumer "It is encouraging risen little prices have years: the British Index for September, 2.9% above the 1956 level - an average increase over the past three Price of less than 1 % per annum."

Guiana Consumer 1959, was only to the point of less That is indeed encouraging that there has been an increase than 1 % per annum, but what does it really mean?
Does it mean what we find in paragraph "This relative stability over the past 11 - of consumer prices three years despite recessions of production achievement."

in our major exports, is quite an generally, and also, purposes represents spending If there was a mild infla­ I am pre­ the ab­ power in the that the stability I would have thought of the consumer prices,-if we accept the figures given by the Government, which for present pared to do-really sence of increased comm.unity.
tion, if there was more money floating around to buy those consumer is likely This stability stances fact that there was not an extra splurge of spending; amount of money to go around..

I can­ in 6pite of not see that this happened recession; sion.

Because was not the money.

Perhaps of reces­ because there there was recession see in the circum­ else than the I cannot connoting that there was not an extra it happened anything that the index would have risen.
goods it there is a difference Financial Secretary and myself.

the of prepos1t1on5 between The prospects for 1960 are then at the Bauxite I increased.

spokesman.

force now stands of 850 or 900.


It is ex­ by the Government plant, and the labour force Company for of the and completion outlined There will be the large construction programme the erection alumina should be substantially understand that labour in the vicinity of the plant pected will be completed the next year, and that the labour force required the operation So that the sooner it is completed will be our problem, greater thing happens, because required after completion 500 as against moment.
for of the plant will be 400. the some­ force that the construction within unless the labour will be 400 or 850 to 900 at the � should through its spokesman which the That is very good; that of the industries but I do wish that the We find that the Government something for which on give some idea as to to be supported, and something be com­ and the expected ,._, expenditure.

A num­ 1 is a number have been has given tax concessions to a number of new industries.
is something to be admired I think the Government plimented, Government, the Budget, would the number of such industries have been given tax concessions, nature amount of capital ber just means a number; and so is 2.

We would really most grateful and better particulars point.

Nor is it enough to allude fact that there have been tax concessions.
In a country to know that the Government to those who come, grants concessions but that the Government makes efforts those who have not yet heard of attract or who do not yet know Guiana, British of the potentialities Guiana.

in British so to But merely to sit here in the slips, speak, end, is what we deprecate of the Table.
on this particular to the of being at the bowler's if we had much further like British Guiana we want from this side not merely instead to 259 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate260 Agriculture, we are told, for its will depend on our having rea­ success conditions.

weather sonable with that, pro tern.


And we are in­ formed that, We agree "For rice there will be an increased as large areas of additional acreage land the efforts of come into production from individual farmers in extending tivation, and from the drainage gation programme."

their cul­ and irri­ at this stage it is apposite Mr. Speaker, for me to make some observations the rice industry say whether rice industry have great faith in.
on in British Guiana, and from the this expected fillip one that we can is really represents of your domestic only a small per­ And it is wrong to sub­ I am saying it is that you are and at the same that I am not saying sidize an industry.

wrong not to recognize subsidizing an industry, time it is wrong not to recognize that industry centage the profit of that industry, admitted Industry, question the Government it worthwhile direct duction?
been, yes, but we see no evidence of the fact that they have thought of Trade and by the Minister small.

The is comparatively - and we expect is, therefore to pose an answer - is for the to spend so heavily the rice pro­ of increasing product.

as has been purpose it out.

Maybe the answer would have And having produced rice, the next should of this coun­ of the rice.
We is the selling In the first place, the contribution as the Chair� Board that let me say that I most deeply and earnestly which the rice farmers question appreciate have it on authority as high the contribution man of the Rice Marketing have made to the economy the world price of rice is falling.

Vv' e I cannot under-estimate try.


However, - Miss have it on very high authority not under­ the contribution-we O'Loughlin-that Carleen fac� a problem which the rest estimate the ing those responsible for plannfug that of the community Guiana is: Can British future industry's to be spent industry.

remain a competitive seller during 1960 on development, over $7 Indies markets?

million she states, Drainage No.


2 of "Social and in the Budget and in public in her paper on "The Rice Sector by Members of the Government, Economy of British meant primarily tion more land for rice.

to bring under cultiva­ at page 116 of Volume 7, and irrigation, and irrigation.
will go to drainage Of $24_ million makes towards statements as we find here Guiana": Economic market prices to West at certain "Clearly in the were In which connection Studies", may be cheaper ritories it for the West Indies ter­ rice."

to import Far Eastern To drain and irrigate That means that for drainage for one family, one acre of land in the Black Bush area cost ap­ proximately $500.

We all agree that it takes about 15 acres to set up one and family.

the cost is alone, irrigation $7,500.


of the What about the clearing esti­ 15 acres?

It will be conservatively mated at another $2,500.

of The result to set up a that: it costs about $10,000 family.

Apart from that, it must not be forgotten to the industry-I sions, I say deserving concessions has to ask oneself, that contribution family gasolene.

what proportion to the setting up of one or repayable?
that there are concessions conces­ say reasonable as duty-free is repaid One of that this was published I am reminded of the in June, 1958.

But the validity with the has not changed proposition Another 18 months.

of a paltry passage was, posed by Miss O'Loughlin question planning "Should long-term to and government an expansion She added: of the rice industry?"
investment economic be geared "For the present ap­ an ex­ and a consider­ of the industry, the government pears to be firmly committed to pansion concessions-such able part of development going to provide land clearance with vation.
action results employment from the lack of alternative for British a view to rice culti­ The immediate expenditure Guiana labour, need for such is drainage, irrigation, and 261 Appropriatio ·n Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate262 they are employed, and in the end we will find that they will put in more than they can possibly As Miss O'Loughlin the em­ remarks, phasis may be for political and social, significant reasons.

rather than economic get out to their gain.


[MR. BURNHAM] whether in the form of land­ which shows itself and on the part of rice farmers hunger pertinent to It is perhaps their families.

such a policy ask however is, in to further the long run, likely development?

Can rice pro­ economic as a major national duction, and employment ever provide the regular high average which are levels two of the main objectives development?
If it is admitted production standard capital other outlets the expansion industry, be geared of employment of rice?"

of economic that rice ever to be a high expenditure is unlikely should not to providing than rather industry, of living of income the statistics with to the income from rice, Miss After investigating respect O'Loughlin quote her: stated, and may I finally .

.

.
.

.

indicates of rice industry that the "The estimate is ex­ value significance with the tremely significance in the political fields."

small as compared and social the a ·gleam of hope, is beginning to be­ we in the field of agriculture; to the fact that to diversify I agree with There is, however, that the Government stir itself find there is reference there will be an -attempt of this country.

agriculture that.

Who is he that would not agree with such a plan?

But what do you find?


We just find a few lines.

There is not enough detail of the plan for diver­ of agriculture sifying after sions upon the rest of the economy we have diversified We do not ,even find an attempt the education personnel ment of Agriculture, ment that will see that Agriculture diversified.

of the Depart­ which is the Depart­ our agriculture.
and the repercus­ to strengthen is ,., If the Government had said, 'we and For my that de­ of put­ that efforts to another but we have not questions the relevant with the reason.
for political that we should expend of the development expenditure were likely for 1960 for the purpose I have considered and we have decided social reasons nearly one-third capital ting more lands under rice cultivation' would have understood, been favoured part, I would have thought would have been made in the uncertain of today to switch circumstances velopment in which results uncertain.
l consider not only to those who have to bear the cost of servicing grave wrong to those who are going to grow the rice, to continue the area under rice fashion to increase when (a) you do not have production contribution to the a proportionate domestic (b) the margin of profit, which is at the moment low, is likely in the world oontinue compete against rice more cheaply.
these people will fool themselves to fall and we have to countries It would mean that that to be lower if the prices field to be less in a planless it a grave wrong, which produce product; the Public Debt, but a To what extent is there an increase A few?

Yes, a few.

In in whi:ch all Guianese of personnel?

this mighty project a few extra Agri­ must be involved will not be enough.
It cultural Officers it is of growing crops, is not a question people how to a question of teaching of and it is a question grow other crops, having the maximum assistance.

And at the moment I can say from my per­ sonal knowledge Officers in the Districts and physically incapable all the tasks which they are to under­ take.

But, of course, are only possible picture, And as the hon.
the Financial winds up his assessment for 1960, he says: such wide vistas if you ·see the entire if you see the plan as a whole.

are over-worked of undertaking Secretary of the prospects that the Agricultural 11<1 "We are still in the position that sugar, bauxite of our exports, happens external sion is held back."
to one of these, economic for 90% and rice account and if anything ontoward or for climatic our expan­ reasons, With all seriousness, I would have that it is unnecessary to repeat thought 263 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, .1960 - Budget Debate264 can be was the reason more au fail with and closely.

the fact of the tax.

to find an error facts.

You may say it is you put on an extra tax; but which was anticipated by the fact of the tax.
I have it sufficiently revenue explained not considered There may be others all the relevant because what else was the reason?

And now I am not questioning Whatever of 33-1-% is to find proof of gross incom­ petence may I make haste to say that the incom­ petence as far as I know, is not the incompetence It is the incompetence of an individual.

of a team.

It is the incompetence as I had reas0n Of course, Government.

some places to remark last night, in pleasant over.
of which I speak in this context, on the part of Government; and of the un­ facts are beautifully passed duty.

w·1,;t increase which was anti­ There was the .ug­ We are told that there was a sub­ in tobacco stantial was that increase?

of $450,000 gestion for the whole of the year.

But cipated what was this substantial still, word.

Substantial To the pauper one dollar to the millionaire substantial.
how far does the shortfall however, confesses ness, for in paragraph may not be one dollar So we are entitled sins and wicked­ 16 it says: go.

We must, can be a very subjective admit that the Government its manifold to know increase?

is substantial; "It is clear that the original as a whole were based on duty estimates a view of the speed of re­ too optimistic covery from the local recession of 1958."

import j three times this.

So far, it is repeated in this Budget.

We agree.

We are ad idem.


But what we want to see is that attempts the country's dent on three products, three of which -we cannot control; in the case of one we have to battle with the elements.

from being depen­ of all the prices and are being made to remove economy We are reminded that the 1959 that $1.

7 million was to the n;.

;:velopment contribu­ direct Expenditure for was a short- of revenue was and excise.

Would you that the error on was as high as 8 % ?


Budget proposed to be transferred Fund as Government's tion to the Development 1959.

There, of course, fall.

The main shortfall from customs Mr. Speaker, believe, and excise customs What type of Government that makes an error of 8% in $22 mil­ lion.

I did not think the task of Gov­ to guess.


Cer­ was the ability ernment tainly, nized at the beginning recession, then, has the Government in 1959 and over-estimated Council which was likely a revenue terribly and excise.

come from customs the trends of 1959 were recog­ the fall in sugar price.

Why, of 1959-the come to this we have here so to in yield at revenue here in 1959. the additional That was on beer.
This Secretary, uttered But may I remind this Council, when we come to deal with the question of beer, of the words of the hon.

the Financial He said, here, in one ·of his hopeful moments: "I have no hesitation assessing $250,000."

year, the yield on beer is $2,000 less than the yield on beer for 1958.

He estimated $2,000 less.

Then we have the explana­ tion that since the tax on beer is paid two months after it is brewed, collected brewed in 1958. to recognize known in 1958?
Why over-estimate $250,000?

there was in 1959 tax on beer that was Why wait until 1960 that which you should have a $250,000 increase; we see by Of course, that the failure it is not for me to say of beer to yield the large We must say they had admitted thing to have either that, but it is one thing to admit one's fault and another the intelligence the mistakes of see any evidence learning to _learn from or desire the past.

And I do not from the errors of this Government of 1959.
Mr. Speaker: I do not want to you.

I only want to tell you interrupt that in another have to get someone Motion for you to continue.

you may to move another five minutes - 265 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate266 Mr .

Burnham: I hope to do that.

to seek the wishes of the to continue my examination of .f propose Council the Budget.

Mr .

Burnham: The hon.


the Finan­ did not say so in so many cial Secretary though my words, but I am entitled, polysyllabics may be to interpret ability what I read here; for poor, to interpret what you had hoped you did not collect to because of acts of divination.
and statistidans, And I wonder, whether at this stage, tfr� the Government of an absence the absence economists to wWch I made reference 1957, docs not, in some way, explain the error which led them to be so optim­ over the speed of recovery istic 1958 r;ecession.

way back in from the The Financial Secretary rose - are we Mr. Burnham: Mr. Speaker, to assume that ,the men of the commer­ cial world are obeab men?

Mr. Speaker: My interpretation is that your time is up.
world reduced There is a reference, here, to a and gen­ spending commercial in the the pattern of 1958.'

'temporary eral cautiousness which followed But it would appear reached world caution thing was justified.

There is a peculiar 16 of this towards Budget Statement.

the end of 1959, the proof of shown by the commercial the end of paragraph that by the time we It reads: Mr. Burnham: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Kendall: be allowed I beg to move that half an another the speaker hour.
"It must be remembered however Motion.

Mr. Jackson: I beg to second the will still be over a mil­ more than in 1958, and as the actual figures for 1958 and the by that the collection lion dollars regards 1959, I think it is tnue to say that has been somewhat picture the large amount of extra import duty received result the increased January, the end of 1958 as a divinations of some of which took effect from towards of accurate duties 1959."
distorted to stand corrected-that That seems to me--if I am wrong 1f thing for a Government.

at the end of of that the Budget which was a I am prepared there was a Budget leakage 1958 and as a result for 1959 was affected, serious there was mean that admission sufficiently Executive honest Secrets Council public?
stand up her;e and virtually there was a Budget leakage- Act by divulging secrets For the Financial a Budget leakage, •the security it would measures-an by the Government-are not Is it that the Council Members are so dis­ to commit a breach to members of the stringent.

Executive Secretary of the Official admit that to Question to.
put, and agreed Mr. Burnham: I have already to the fact, which appears in 18, that there was a shortfall alluded paragraph of $2 million toms and Excise, interesting Financial referring for Cus­ on the estimate and there was a very observation made by the in paragraph Secretary to his Budget Speech 19 in of 1959- .., "I emphasized, however, debate that my instinct during the was course of the that the customs and the income tax revenue under­ estimated."
duty was over-estimated from its errors That is Every year that bas happened.

which lead me to say one of the things this Government is I doubt whether of the past.

It learning is all right to under-estimate one Head and hope and over-estimate that the under-estimate would make up for the over-estimate, but I have a I have a high for accuracy.
penchant for ability, admiration neither my penchant and I think that another, nor my admiration The Financial Secretary rose - 267 Appfopriatlon Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate268 by this recurrent not so badly.

But the art of is satisfied error every yeaE.

You makte ia guess of Cll_+Stoms revenue and your revenue from Income Tax, but although both guesses are wrong, together they work out guessing ing.
From these guesses wliich we find besetting Speeches I am led to believe who are responsible general turned their skiill to the poker table and used dice.

is not a pre-requisite for govern­ and hopes tlrese Budget that those would do better for our fiscal and policy if they that we are We were t.old previously merely at a standstill.

In 1959 we were told that the figures proved that we were progressing.

quot- But I will continue lil.


o· o· "However, we had only budgeted and from this of $200,000, an increase point of view the result is reasonably satisfactory."

for My comment is: poor consolation Guiana.

people of British to the to changing that we should Let me give the Government suggestion consideration year to some more appro­ I think that in certain its due.

There is a very sound suggestion in this Budget-the give serious, the financial priate period.
stances serve a measure willingly pertains cial year.
in­ they do de­ and this I shower upon them so far as it of a new finan­ to the suggestion points of praise, and at certain There is not much that is really of the Budget tell us what there is against or worthy of comment so is concerned, the Finan­ to hearing controversial far as the other section Speech whdcbi deals ,Mith the General except Revenue Balance that I look forward cial Secretary Treasury for the day-to-day ernment-short-term which, iiil my humble opinion, ment would find enthusiastic from the public who would have an opportunity quickly of the Gov­ for borrowing Govern­ support and over a short period.
to make a bit of profit very bills for short-term business borrowing We come now to consider Govern­ in 1960. for expenditure proposals 23 of his Budget Speech says: Secretary I shall economy we But is mentioning?

least so it is alleged­ seems to suggest is seeking We note-at that there was strict in expendi­ ture during 1959, and as a result made a saving on expenditure.

ment's that an appreciable amount?


Is it really In paragraph The mention of worthwhile the Financial it in the circumstances which that the Gov­ examine, to pat itself ernment shoulder wherever can.

The it possibly Public saving under in an overall saving of $776,899, the saving a temporary been transferred But the picture tary attempts a saving million, $214,762.
to reveal of $776,899 when in fact it is a mere to this year's Secre­ that the Financial is that there was in a Budget of $47 one, as the amount has Debt was $562,137 Debt was really Estimate.
under Public on its but We agree with the Government when, through its financial it says: expert, "Honourable Members know by now this policy programme the economy per• as well as provide It is obviously employment We have had perforce for the 1960 re· aim is to peg its that the Government's where it can, in recurrent expenditure can be order that as much as possible applied to an investment which will strengthen manently in the meantime.

to strengthen current budget.


inevitable concomitant ment programme high degree on borrowed the annual debt service The rise of the Public Debt Head by $1.4mn accounts difference between recurrent expenditure estimates.

next largest is on the Education increase head which rises from about $6.4mn in 1959 to over $6.Smn in 1960."

which is dependent money, that for almost half the the 19"59 and the 1960 should increase.
to a large invest· The to a an "Taken as a whole 1959 must be re• year from discouraging garded as a rather the Government revenue for total receipts from 1958."

different will not have been very point of view, Apologetically told that the increased 1960 as against we are in expenditure that of 1959 is accounted and sorrowfully a.

� -L••• .

.

::._ 269 Appropriation Bili 20TH JANUARY, i960.

- Budget Debate210 of a million something The old school Estimates, to grow rice under the of money on education.
it spends about dollars, $820,000, of econo­ there is an ·extra $.4 There to Education.

is not productive, of dollars under There is no doubt that in t!1e Mr. Burnham: I accuse of propagating Debt by $1 .4 and a rise of $.4 million this Gov­ the fallacy that for while it on drainage towards the I have Friend (Mr. at the Speech and telling to this effect-fortun­ his speeches; writes [MR. BURNHAM] for by the rise in the Public million Education.
estimates recurrent million allocated is no doubt also that this Government adopts a wrong attitude spending heard my hon.

and learned publicly Rai), speaking College, Day at Queen's public ately my friend do not share his good fortune-that far a-; this Government does not recognize expenditure emphasis be called country's and implication tive so far as this Government cerned.

is concerned the need for any extra that the on Education; is to put money into what may of the the productive economy.
ernment education spends millions and irrigation Development one-third on Education.

mists used to think that education was you could not because not productive sell it and make profit directly.

But you can sell rice at a loss!

In an under­ developed which at the moment is seeking tutional in a country the world the fact of its nationhood; country ing for independence, education?

neglect industries?

istration?

of Educa­ sectors, tion, and that cannot be over­ shaking of emphasized.
of votes heads, but I see no increase under the head Education.

of which are clamour­ are we going to Who will run our Who will run the Admin­ consti­ so; upon that seeks to impress a So that by inference is not produc­ The Minister of Community De­ and Education and quite rightly education in a country is the sector the leaders I observe I so it advance, I submit, (Mr. Rai): country like this, sector is con- the One of the most productive velopment That is not correct.
can bring some report support entitled Unless my friend of what I said to he is not such an inference, to draw such a conclusion.

Mr. Speaker: Time is going.

Mr, Burnham: During 1959 Gov­ ernment built no school- explanation.

to decide, is not correct?

since the hon.

Minis­ Mr. Burnham: My friend is en- to make a personal titled Are we to accept his ipse dixit that what It is for the I am saying Speaker ter has not condescended he did say.
I am insisting clusion drawn, and it ,is borne out by the facts and figures contained Recurrent Estimates was the only one that could be not only in the that my ccfi­ but also in the Development with respect to Education.

Mr. Rai: That also is incorrect.

-I and this Council ar'e think the public being given a wrong impression.

Wrong are being attributed to the statements to back Government with no authority them up.

The hon.
The hon.

Member does not with any docu­ his statements support and the ment or report, a wrong im­ Council are being given pression.

and the public .. to tell us w}i:-1t Mr. Speaker: Your inference may opportunity to correct that.

be either right or wrong.

Mr. Speaker: You will have an Mr. Burnham: Speaker.

That is so, Mr. Education Mr. Burnham: Can the Minister of school deny that not a single last year?

was built by Government Mr. Rai: ..


The premises are not Mr. Rai: That statement 1s incor­ right.

rect; schools were built last year._ ,__----·- ...u.... ·--- 171 Appropriation Bili 20TH iANUARY, 1960 -Budget Debate.212 have done this already.'

That is Government's attitude.

But not a word.

vote.

Spend Cut the University on primary sector, on the back­ education, You must have educa­ and by im­ is not a you say that education laid on the economic we have spent an extra we have done well."
a few more dollars and pat yourselves "Because In public $400,000, you say that emphasis is speeches sector, the developmental the productive sector, plication thing.

productive tion to train your nationalists, are going to depend upon people coming here, out of the largeness In Nigeria educational top to bottom, to be much more dependent istrative than other territories their independence yoke.
staff from abroad which recently from the colonial there was no far-sighted from for training programme is going and technical and that country of their hearts.

upon admin­ unless you got of was started Mr. Burnham: Where are the I know that the erection later in the year, was built at but it was not built by schools?

six schools and I know that a school Strathcampbell, the Government.

If the hon.

Minister can give me a list of schools built, I will apologize do obeisance.
to the Public transfer of the building of schools?

should that were I will What good has been this in October?

building Works Department That !hey immediately, start that Teachers attitude.

education are to be built.

runs _further I hear schools this question Mr. Speaker, being trained, of than buildi.ng is something Primary which I think this Government education schools.

towards has taken a parsimonious are to Schools are being be trained.

built in 1960.
built in 1960.

I do not consider they were being built in 1959.

I hear but at what teachers are being trained?

rate are these teachers Are they being trained to be able to take care of the loss?

(Th� hon.

Minister ment and Education speak twice, his legs.)

in its broadest I am sure Minister, or classical education, and vocational.

technical have we for that?

education: and the sense which from tbe hon.


will find support not merely Secondary sense, both from his chair and on but secondary no doubt wants to secondary at such a rate as academic What plan _thjs is, of Community Develop­ about but if it is going to be all It is all right to talk about in­ to blow your trumpet dependence, independence, right, petent I would not have emphasized that so in the pre­ much, but it seems necessary sent atmosphere.

you have to train intelligent, com­ to take over.


Ordinarily persons over a which would en­ to take up all the higher I tabled in this Council year ago a Motion for an exten­ sive scheme of training able Guianese and technical posts in the administrative of the Public Service.

This· branches a plan should adumbrate Government trained to to have Guianese immediately and technical take over all administrative posts in the higher had the courtesy At least, debated.
the Motion, If you have already have said in the Motion, of coming here and saying, courtesy 'You, the Member f9r Georget9wn Central, are living brackets.

of having the Mction if you disagree with come here and throw it out.

what I do me the implemented iii the past, for \', e I have not .

the Government's view­ Mr. Speaker, I submit that this for which expresses the Majority the responsibility Budget, must be the Government's, Party's, point.
They have been in office sirice 1957, and they must have learned by now to see that the Financial do,es not recommend which they do not agree.

Therefore when the Financial here and says: Secretary with anything Secretary comes · · "As Members know the Government agreed to pay a minimum has already wage of $2.75 a day as against $2.52 and to make adjustments in daily and weekly wage rates and related 'B' and 'C' scales."

and goes on further to say, "It is hoped to be able to make related.
the former in most of the departments economies the figures accommodate which are being pre-sented to Members."

this rise within to 27:3 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debaie 214 in British it was only last for the suppression that he speaks for the very gratifying that their colleagues, [MR. BURNHAM] we must understand because his Government, night that we received information all eight of them, got on well with each other.
All eight of them, I would say, are brothers-in-arms of workers Guiana.

As I understand by the Gov­ -and there was no denial minimum of $2.75 per day ernment-the I re­ to be provisional.

was intended was member that days before settled did not want to put in that word.

I would not say it was I would say that it arose rascality; ignorance than rascality.

rather prefer to put a more favourable struction from I would con­ it from the newspapers Government the dispute upon it.
here which to things to personalities or insults.

ard here and not resort will descend I appeal earnestly, their good personal so that they all may maintain rdationships.
to Members of this Council most it is calculated I say Mr. Burnham: Mr. Speaker, of which accrue to to amount by the President stated of Unions of Government it was publicly the Federation that the employees Employees of sugar get $3 .12; the figure was not made up off like that, but taking into straight the benefits -account sugar workers to $3.12.

If I err, I err because information put forward of the F.U.G.E.

Government anyone, neither by Sugar Producers.

on the authority F.U.G.E.


rather than on the authority of those who know not and know fi(•t that they know not.

I do not for one moment say that the figure of $3.12, which I was told was ,the minimum, good or 'sufficient wage.

I am not here to defend sugar.
nor If I err, I prefer to err of the of the President It was not denied by by the President is a of their representatives, It is clear that the workers on the in but now I see Gov­ a minimum of $2.75 on the that it would be discussed Council and the other para­ provided, one side, through accepted condition Whitley phernalia ernment has gone back upon its word, and does not mention its reference no provision for any possible The Government and says that they have decided $2.75 and no more.
That is the Gov­ its finger at in­ ernment that is pointing people at a dustry which is employing minimum of $3.12 a day.

in "provisional" There is to this decision.

increases.

comes here to give spokesman f Mr. Benn: They are making profits.

..

Cries of "Not true!"

and "Shame/" Mr. Speaker: I rise again to attract to the fact that the It was not my attention over and over, it was recorded to it yesterday.

Members' word "Shame" in the House is regarded as most unparliamentary.
saying; and I referred I do hope Members will as far as possible from making remarks made an appeal at the beginning today to which my atten­ of something because tion was drawn and which not hear.

· I make another Members to let us maintain I myself did appeal to a high stand- of the kind.

I desist whether campaign, going back to the early fifties Mr. Burnham: They are making I hear, sotto voce.
This is not a that over the down members you are making profit a man can live on profits, question or not, but whether that wage.

I still recall years, to the last election of the Majority that the minimum wage of $2.52 fixed in 1952 was seriously that $4 should be the minimum.
Those are the people who forget what they have said in the past and come here and say "$2.75 and no more"; and then we are obligecl excuses Member for Berbice to listen and explanations inadequate, Party were saying River, who has to some incoherent from the hon.

and agreeing t. I I am here to make this point, that a which never tires at point­ Government, ing a finger at sugar and saying exploiting workers, "$2.75 $3.36-- waterfront and no more.
On the "you are its own people'', is saying to --� -.,___z__ -� 275 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate276 turned spokesman robbery of the workers.

for Government in this some of the more will put forward the argu­ cannot afford it.

will put Of course, sophisticated ment that Government Some of the more sophisticated forward paid more than $2.75 that it would cause the wage rates of other employers up.
With respect argument of the sophisticates- the argument to the first possible that if Government to go Mr. Speaker: Time!

Mr. Kendall: I beg to move that the time be extended for Central to the hon.

Member by half an hour.

Georgetown Mr. Campbell: I beg to second the Motion.

wages will, eventually, at the However, with the extra of the workers, a.mount of spending.
wrong bad; and the services and which will be purchased by I contend, amount of money in circulation disposal if the minimum wage is to be carried up it would inspire a certain There would be, so to speak, a temporary or mild form of inflation, but for an economy like ours it is nothing or nothing commodities the increased enure to the benefit of Government which collects from imported stand how the party that claims to be the working class party can come here and say 'we cannot afford.'
That is the type of answer they would never have taken from the Interim That is the type of answer which the Leader of the Majority ers on the cricket For it was in 1950 that that same party told the workers and encouraged the physical not to go back to work the workers the majority duties.

ground not to accept.

well-being of their leaders.

I cannot under­ Government.

of revenue Party told work­ to threaten put, and agreed to.
_Question Mr. Burnham: As I was saying: a higher arguments that minimum which is only five cents There are two possible may be put up against wage than $2.75, more than thart recommended Gorsuch, inadequate.

arguments or apparently ments would be ( 1) that the Government cannot afford; and (2) that it would cause the wage rates in industries to rise.

considered sensible The two possible which everyone sensible argu­ by Mr.

There is no politics in this issue.


It a man is entitled in this field of whether is a question to a fair wage or not; and Government, I contend, must be the leader to provide a decent wage for the people to live on.

A minimum wage has been fixed by this Government in many indus­ tries, is incor­ rect, there is not an industry in which they fixed as low as $2.75 a day for workers.
my recollection and unless But the first question to be decided Not only does Government mean to or not, on the diet authority prior to 1957, it is possible would be whether which had Government's- and sanction for a man.

his wife and two children to live on $2.75 per day?

I am not here arguing their case because the trade unionists their representatives; but the first answer Government can must not be whether afford.
it is a decent the trade unionists tually, do not know as a legislator; and if, per­ chance, $2.75 is insufficient, it is for Government to find ways and means of raising it.

The first answer must be whether wage.

I do not know what are asking for, even­ as their minimum.

At least, are I as at present does not even advised, to seek votes because, says stick to $2.75 a day.

What is significant is that the Government propose, any supplementary the hon.
the Financial Secretary, hoped to make economies departments to accommodate -that is the rise of $2.75 which it is contended sufficient.

and $2.75 only, no more.

They go on further are going to be economies.

that mean?
that mean?

All it means is that there is in many quarters as being in­ In other words, they say $2.75 "it is in most of the this rise " to say, even for that $2.75 there What does .. 277 AppropriatiQn Bill 20TH JANUARY; 1960 - Budget Debate278 [MR. BURNHAM] has Of course, to accommodate going to be retrenchment Government the increase.

answer coming up.
answer coming up.

The other another answer which is sometimes given in reply that $'.US is cont,ention to the workers' is that if more than $2.75 inadequate will were to be paid, other employers have to pay much more or be forced out of business, and they cam1ot afford it.

advised, there are that pay as little there are Als .at present very few big employers as $2.75 a day.
Of course, employers who put on the envelope that you receive so much and you receive much less, as far as I understand; am talking in the envelope.

about what they actually put but I There is;· obviously, .. in uncertainly in the leave passages · There are talks of are going to the Civil Service.

whether be taken away, etc.

Cannot a decision be made which can be· promulgated this Council, or do we have to continue to hear of Government's servants the civil to attend meetings the West Coast of Demerara?
servants are Guianese, civil servants merely service.

on The civil in the majority, and it is not sufficient over the radio or have to render efficient in this country, attitude towards for at Windsor Forest The civil servants, as I recognize can But how can you expect all like J amaka and Trinidad, in places more than efficient be inspired to render service.

this great efficiency, if the people's certain?

local origin to look forward up to the top when their hairs begin to grow grey?
What have the civil servants situation this great sacrifice, of to-creeping un­ or position is The workers, under this Budget, votes to time.

And what is more is that those who have the are in for a tough time.

They are in for a terrible depressing power are those who have been depend­ ent, in the past, on the workers' get into power; but now they are in power they kick away the ladder, up the steps of which they climbed.
If any other Government Government been inhuman this Government has done it, it is difficult properly to find words in the dictionary at.titude.

to characterise had done it-if the Interim had done it-it would have and immoral, Government's but now that But not only is the lonely faced with a gloomy future.

the civil servants?
the civil servants?

graph 24, We read in para­ worker What about "That there are virtually in establishment thus continuing the size of the Civil Service been going on now for several in the recurrent the process which has years."

no increases estimates of stabilising servants?


civil toward!l Is that all we can hear or know of Gov­ ernment's attitude In the ·past we have heard members o.f this �o_vernment that the civil servants of imperialism; but we) have heard · now th_e members of the Government paving tribute servants.

It seeriis to be -a New Year reoolution.

to the civ_il saying, publicly, are instruments Back to the Motion which I tabled t on the It is my convic­ qualify whether that civil servants or .technology?
a planned training them in of admin­ to hold the high­ will have servants · civil servants that they arc that their interes interest; opening a year ago: What scheme is there, part of Government, can, by training, est posts?
When civil at their disposal, scheme that would qualify modern techniques, istration tion that unless and until are made to understand part of the community; is the Government's there are new vistas I am afraid would not be improved And if you do not have an enthusiastic and loyal Civil Service independence, hood is mere sounding telling economizing what is your attitude question us hear you going to Windsor saying that before of civil servants.
all your talk about or nation­ Instead of about us in this Budget Statement let us hear and stabilizing, on the important Do not let and Forest are going to do this and and that to them, efficiency or increased.

self-government that civil servants' of leave passages.

you meet the that you brass.


representatives Not only is there no dispensation for the Civil Service but there is also nothing 279 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate280 with go up--no quarrel rates will postal to be increased that.

That does seem to that taxation, from this side of the Table.
But what concerns with reference but there is no opposition is this statement to the Post Office: me somewhat "To meet part of the growing loss, some of charges, to introduce proposes postal the Government increased certain which could be well described these shortly, It is hoped to announce I may say that the most important will be an increase rate from 4c.

to 5c.

which in itself, produce a full year."

letter in the internal should of $60,000 in as overdue.
but one additional revenue Secretary agreements why in January, I would like to have an explanation from the Financial 1960, he cannot tell us what the rates are, and what increased proposed they will fall on.

Unless there is a very good technical tional say that the Financial to this Council.

unfair not sure I shall merely mention require subject.

him if he has a proper excuse and ex­ planation.


that I on this particular to blame like interna­ like that, I bas been Secretary But since I am reason, or things It would be unfair information Then we hear the hopefulness of the again as the Financial Government Secretary says: "As I have already in 1960 still position encouraging".

said, the revenue does not appear too for the im­ New Amster­ Secretary.
to Local Govern­ from has been this Council of the Greater George­ The Greater have come into being in this Budget, is forecast of funds or otherwise, for Plan.

of the Marshall Paper to the Sessional some months ago; about this Budget Statement to note with respect ment; nothing by allocation the implementation I am not referring which was circulated I am talking of 24 pages which was read by the Fin­ ancial town Plan should long ago; the date is being changed time to time.
No legislation beforn brought plementation dam Plan or for the Local Authorities which are to be set up Plan.

All we have is the Valuation which was passed Is it that Government ested in what it has itself gressive does not particularly the Greater Election, General psychological ment is advised advisers legislation?

were brought United Kingdom are not drafting doing something else?

who cannot get out the necessary Is it that the draftsmen who all the way from the but Georgetown because effects?
Is it that Govern­ Plan before the of certain plan?

Is it that Government by incompetent want to implement under the Marshall long ago.

Why is it?

What is it?

called legal Bill a pro­ is no longer inter­ from like to hear frankly Development I know that he in and we shall join with him the inefficients.
My con­ We should of Community the Minister because and Education, would tell us if there is inefficiency places, certain in castigating tention is that nothing nothing efficient necessary vision if necessary, is one instance not be sensible.

would be criminal.

legislation, be made to get the work done and, This in which economy will To say the least, is said.

Even if they are in­ and have not the why cannot pro­ ask for more money?.
yet drafted it - is foreshadowed, Towards the end of his statement looks forward he "The economic outlook than retrospecti for 1960 is on to 1959 brighter reveals."

the revenue Let us examine to raise during 1960, and how it is going to be raised.

says: Secretary he hopes The Financial We are, of course, told about the for 1960.

That is an essential revenue part of the Budget, about the money to be raised, going to be raised to be raised.
We understand and where it is going but tell us something how it is that the higher "As far as customs duty and excise the import duty figure has is concerned, been put slightly estimate the likely receipts for 1959 and $1.3mn more than for 1959."

than the approved a modicum of 1 I am no economist, I am a simple man with I am no statistici an.

t 281 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate282 to obtain $1.3 million more again, receipts for 1959.

In I would have of this Govern­ LMR.


BURNHAM] In 1958 you over­ commonsense.

and excise duty, in customs estimate 1959 you over-estimate but for 1960 you hope, without increased prosperity, than the likely other circumstances accepted the estimate ment, but experience estimates in this field cannot be relied upon, and are only rosy pictures painted in January 8 per cent.

cember.

I am suile th.a;t estimate.


increase is a reasonable Financial Secretary hopes for increased circulation in this Budget indicates going to be better certain of money in 1960, but what are that things which cannot be seen in De­ has proved that its in 1960?

What un­ is shown here?

policy The There is some belated anxiety for 1959 but receipts to be of revenue more than the actual from rum which is $300,000 shown in the estimate obtained less than the estimate $100,000 and in 1959.
To wind up on Customs Excise we hear that the estimate is $24.7 million, less than the miginal but $1.

7 million in 1959.

This Government receipts to live in the ethereal continues of faith, hope and charity.

year you under-e,stimate, year you hope to get what you have not planned which is about $260,000 estimate Year after but year after more than the actual regions for 1959, for.

about the middle to the day-to-day fore there will not be the difficulty which at the moment.
It has is experienced Secre­ out by the Financial been pointed tary over and over again that there are difficulties sometimes of the year with respect expenditure the Company tax comes in late and in­ oome tax also comes in late, does not pay until the end of the year, if at all.

But if the P.A.Y.E.

system were introduced income tax would be col­ lected early, expenditure thus saving Government loans.
of the Government, on short-term because because one There is a discussion of the 1960 sur­ plus by the Financial Secretary- Mr. Jackson: I beg to move that the hon.

Member for Georgetown Cen­ tral's by half time be extended an hour.

speaking Mr. Speaker: The hon.

Member has had two hours already.

know if we can extend I do not the time further.

Mr. Kendall: I beg to second the Motion.

Mr. Benn: I beg to move an Amendment, by IO minutes.
that the time be extended Mr. Rai: I wish to second the Amendment.

""- Income tax, we are told, is more Mr. Speaker: I shall have to put sys­ a number •of years, about the P.A.Y.E.

this year than it but may realistically estimated has been for I observe here that for years one has heard disscusions tem.
Year after year it is men­ and in the year 1960, after a num­ tioned, about Gov­ we hear nothing ber of years, ernment's plans to introduce P. A. Y. E. As I understand to what it, and subject the experts have to say - and some of them have spoken to me on the sub­ ject - the P. A. Y. E. system your oollection divided evenly will make of income tax more over the year, and there- t under the original Standing extension out amendment.

the time be extended Member for Georgetown half an hour more.
Motion because, Order 35 ( 2) a Motion for the with­ of time should be passed The question is, that to provide the with Central Question to.

put, and agreed Mr. Burnham: Mr. Speaker, with the estimated dealing the hon.

the Financial rely on his estimates Secretar in fields in 1960 surplus y has to_ like '""'- ---� 283 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate284 ... rents, and so with I cannot quarrel his estimated telephone excise, imports, on, and therefore him and I cannot dispute surplus.
to take fully into account, admits, increases of the revision civil servants him to believe be less than he expects.

I can only note that his failure as he himself wage "the minimum and related agreed in 1959" or "the effect allowances of transport in 1959" leads made late will that the 1960 surplus to The emphasis is placed on drainage If we were to be assured, of the markets that we are certain for our rice, I would offer or if drainage in addition and irrigation.
either or the prices no criticism; were planned other than rice, I would have offered no If, indeed, criticism.

had soitje evi'dence ment that it was really something for British I would have offered from the Govern­ planning Guiana as a whole, no criticism.
Mr. Speaker, to do we and irrigation to industries That is a thing of the future; will be there to prove how in­ the this Government future accurate more in estimating surplus which Government year, and in 1960 we find tion from the revenue less than $3 million.

has been once and the its revenue it hopes to have.

The has estimated $3 million per that the alloca­ surplus is much In dealing with the Development.
43) the Financial originally over the (Paragraph seems to have some fear as to or not the $110 million for the Programme period will be raised.

Estimates Secretary whether proposed I shall five-year not at this stage s-ay his fears are ju;;ti­ fied - for fears they are - because as far as I can see, it is proposed to raise part of that sum by borrow­ the greater ing internationally and it is and locally, hoped no doubt that the Colonial opment and Welfare Fund will come to assist in $ 110 million.
raising Devel­ May I return of the to the question Ministers economists units in this country and statisticians this is the stage where Why can't the who will no doubt tell us why ?

Why ?

be­ com­ they can do without ?

For to places absence of planning -and I believe I shall deal with it fully.

Financial Secretary, wind up this debate, Is it that the Elected lieve that petent what purpose like Jamaica, nam?

To come back as empty as they went ?


Why is it that three years after this Government hear nothing of planning hope is there for the future We have heard a homily about Com­ munism.

I am calling no one a Com­ munist-I heart now, or ever.

we can went into office units ?

What am not God to judge a man's Puerto Rico and Suri­ do they travel generation ?

It is true that the Development Pro­ was passed by But I would expected - nothing else was gramme for 1960-1964 this Council but that it would be passed.
like to know this: where is, Professor on which we understand Berrill's report, is based ?

What is all this Programme this secrecy about this Berrill No doubt we will bear from Government if it is worth anything, scrapped from certain I understand not worthy of the paper it is written But I would prefer judgment.

That is why I ask the Govern­ ment to put the Report out, so that we can see it for ourselves.

Report is on.
Report is on.

to rely upon my own information that the Berrill if it has been but and if it will be published, at my disposal, Report?

What I am saying is, instead of pay­ investment, local to private let us have a definitive units, let us have planning let out, 50 carried our wares as Jamaica, ing lip service and foreign, attitude, us have proper research we can advertise Surinam As I said before, and waiting and hoping for people to come along.

and Puerto Rico are able to do.


it is no sense sitting 1 Last year, in dealing with the and the debt position, the Financial balance, and public revenue revenue general Secretary those who predicted that we would borrow more in 1959 than we would ever repay, and he went on to say : l in his Budget Speech criticized meant "I do not know how seriously but lhis was, not too seriously I imagine, - 185 Appropriation (MR. BURNHAM] it is the sort of humour which cannot possibly difficult for others."
help in the quest, which is as or more difficult of the local saying, bottom got plimplc:, um."

Here is the Fin­ of the a close colleague Secretary, I am reminded houri tell you trench you must believe ancial Elected of money outside more difficult What conclusion saying Ministers, is a very difficult thing, for us than for others.

must we be left with?


Without to categorize attempting political persuasions of the Government, I would submit that they have run into they have no clear policy this difficulty: they with respect to foreign have not made it clear by word, action or deed that investments safe; they have not made it clear that when concessions they will not be taken back are granted circuitously.
to "If even for us than that housing I must deplore that the raising We have it on the authority Guiana - and we 1t is that if you spend money on Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate286 the attitude of Gov­ As far as I can see, ernment to housing.

over will be spent on housing $5 million the next five years-I mean $1 million per year over the next five years.
I into which this that the difficulty believe with regard Government has got itself which flows from is the difficulty housing the fallacy is not a produc­ tive sector.

of Miss O'Loughlin who examined the economy of British need not go to Miss O'Loughlin.

obvious housing you generate directly on housing; ment on the materials get for the houses materials nishings use up materials, and when you sell those houses worthy persons savings.
to do, in this country, by the Secretary that is, keep a revolving you will see that we will be able not only s,ervices social to provide 'freeness', services but social the fact that it is a social amenity houses injecting will be finding and local products.

also cause you to local or imported, to credit­ their you are increasing And if, furthermore, you generate which you need to - you use local -· to live in.
We will be into the economy and what was suggested of State for the Colonies, employment employ­ on the houses either for people capital in terms of in terms of will be perfectly sum for housing, investors; t for people.

he was acting in British employmen we were The fur­ the I am not saying of investing There is this investor but I am saying his action, it may be is the type find among here to help There is no doubt borrowing who is now in with the wood factory.
Barbados I am when, he was acting logically not saying of the excise because on of the increase Banks, he said he decided to go to Bar­ bados instead Guiana.

rationally, however irrational of action we sometimes we are seeking people whom develop our country.

that Government develop Secretary have said so.


Well, if you consider the best thing is to prepare the atmos­ phere to invite I speak of encouraging I do not envisage all the wealth will be placed posal and the right given to them to take any­ out all they want without leaving thing, less or for them to pay the workers There are other than subsistence wages.

drid not get sub­ countries sistence the countries.

those countries benefited I have made reference to already.

this country.
this country.

The Financial has said so and the Ministers where workers wages and investment foreign investors.

foreign circumstances investors, at their dis­ cannot that, where When I might have put it rather or ineptly way, but this is what Miss in a layman1s says in the "Social and O'Loughlin nomic Studie,s", Vol.

8 No.
8 No.

1, March, 1959, in her study of "The Economy of Guiana 1952-56", British "Although at page 83: Eco­ applicants loans, the fund will continue employment housing loans are often as non-productive they capital, considered to the contribute can, to some extent, of income.

So long as there is expansion a flow of credit-worthy for to housing in house-building revolve, if and repair not increased, will be stimulated.
Thus in the first thirty if the fund revolves three grant will have been matched imately is not entirely sulting is non-productive, as apart from direct the initial by approx­ twice as much of local saving.

will at least be maintained, and local saving true that the capital being created by letting, incomes times, years, It re­ ·.

287 Appropriation Bill 20TH iANUARY, 196() - Budget Debate288 more of the releases saving."

of domestic a year.

expenditure perhaps $1 million income for other occupied.
with the Govern­ quarrelling - the -section and research and I make the point, in that particular and I can do no more than to repeat of if this Government were to if this Government sums for substantial other local indus­ in land values arising in building, moreover, scheme a land settlement is part of the acreage If this Govern­ house ownership personal which may stimulate tries.
The increase out of expansion may lead to concentrations of wealth and expansion adopt the arguments paragraph; without ment for the expenditure of $5 million, for the life of And I cannot, overall.

me, see why Government is going to use only approximately There are some persons that there may be political not accelerating I am not, at the moment and from this place, it only to dismiss it.
But what I am say­ ing is this: That Government's of that small amount per annum leads me to believe housing consider has to be subsidized.
Bill is well-known which gives power to the Govern­ ment to declare even if the greater productively about lease­ ment were to stop worrying hold and freehold; if this Government were to get down to the business governing; show that it is not made up of a number of pseudo-experts; were to allocate planning the Surinam understand, this Government a Government it is a Government country stimulated ment cannot be solved unless more industries; that no amount of money spent on drainage would help the people in the township; if this Government lesson tries now developing apace, that this Government is in the agricultural the country for, then, relied word can be relied no question else.
it is not would realize but of part of the country of the whole of the cannot be of unemploy­ there are were to learn its coun­ I would say would be good for its word can be who would say for reasons programme.

upon.

There will be or of ideological a productive it merely a social Budget-in it is 10 million to say so.

I mentioned Where is the plan for the towns, upon.


Then and only then its that they do not consider Yes, you will grow a lot of rice, if they would realize and that employment and they which and irrigation and the problem in the rural areas clearances allocation the housing as was done in prepared of this Devel­ sector, service I from other under-developed Surinam, guilders-if emphasis ?

But if I were to on the Goldsmith I would not pay The general opment Programme sector.
and where is the plan even for the villages?

but do not all the rice producers live in the villages ?

What happens to the decaying villages to re-read attempt "Deserted tribute wealth because ing money here and motives.

political villages; no plan to get an industrial and see whether ment to erect factories.
ment were to get down to it; if this Gov­ ernment, instead talking mills, or Land Bonds Bill - for developing this Government is throw­ there for social and for the its time small rice about confiscating Village", to the Government for Govern­ If this Govern­ No industry it is possible of spending area Too often, from the other side of talk about and the necessity for co­ As I understand it in the the greatest system, the Table, there has been the co-operation, operation.
democratic of co-operation give a Government is to criticize gramme or its absence policy.

'yell' ly behave like prima donnas and too interpret frequently measure can which an Opposition its pro­ of programme or that those who most for co-operation But I am afraid too frequent­ criticism as hostility.

The Minister of Natural Resources (Mr. Benn) : Like Jamaica !
Mr. Burnham: My opposition to a particular section of the Land Bonds This Government must understa11d that that is one of its that it does not know all and can never know all.

I believe weaknesses-a and frivolity-and criticisms Budget may be understood.

which we have made on this I wish they combination I would wish that the of conceit j --- J 42 +' t ♦ 4.

"-:...-·.

� -·•""- .

.....- ,.. ,, .

.


f�-... 289 Appropria1ion Bill 20TH iANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate290 :I (MR. BURNHAM) that we, on this side of may understand the Table who have been born here, ,·,re interested in the progress We may have different ideas, plead with this Government what are their ideas.

What are their plans?

of our country.

but I would to tell me whose mmrmum wage has to $2.75 per Government been increased from $2.52 day which cannot keep body and soul In the present together.
civilization that is an accepted when compared get-I am not here to defend sugar as others for Georgetown have done, like the hon.

Member Central.

state of our fact, but with what sugar workers May I, at the risk of being repeti­ Mr. Burnham: To a point of sugar.

I to the countrv.

!

I never defended categorically just refer to rice once more.

You on rice.

There is a fund for sugar.

What tious, lay all the emphasis price stabilization have you done about a price stabilization fund for rice?
It is unfair It is unfair to the rice growers.

it is a Budget will be passed because democratic practice the majority will carry what they want, but I do hope that this Government will learn from the errors something of the people of British correction stated from the President Unions of Government in public meeting, mini­ the Press-that mum wage was $3.12 per day when you take into account they re­ all the benefits ceive.

That is all I said.
That is all I said.

Mr. Jai Narine Singh: I defy the to show Association which will enure to the benefit that those who have of its past and do Guiana.

Employees Th-is what I have learned at a of the Federated .

.. and it was published the sugar workers' Mr. Jai Narine Singh: This is a were in the this is still a Programme but they are back in how we should run of this country of our country.

Budget, because for two or three years, It is the that we are in.
We have a Five-Yedf The finances over the past decal!�, of $110 million is to be a year-which colonial colony in which we are being directed from Great Britain the business of our country except hands of Guianese, the hands of Great Britain.

development interested Development -$22 million financed we have to provide interest and sinking our Budget of $50 million for the payment sum we will have for the development this country.
period in which money was spent wildly of its providing with no intention return with which to repay the loans obtained.

upon to repay a little capital and interest which has gone down as so th3.t fund charges, money for which $11.8 million must proYide out of the today in on money There was an interim less than $20 million of $12 million We are called by borrowed the drain.
charges any of or more than 25 $15 per working and that more than 10 per $18 per week Sugar Producers' me that sugar workers, per Gent.

of them, received week in the month of December in the fields, cent.

of them received About 75 per cent.

of sugar workers, cane, earn when they are not cutting between $9 and $10 per week.

They are given two or three days' work per week.

When it is said that sugar workers earn $3.12 per day it may be for 12 hours' work per day.
... - Central still waiting I must join issue with the hon.

when he says that the Attorney-General has not been keeping the "Opposition" Government on its toes.

Between the hon.

Mtmber for Georgetown (Mr. Burnham) and myself we have be­ tween 28 and 30 Motions to be debated, and among them is one for the fixing of a minimum wage and an 8-hour day for sugar workers.

economy of this country when workers the U.S.A. the average $3 and $4 per hour, or between $40 (B.W.l.)
a refrigerator afford to send his son or daughter university.

worker gets $2, $35 and per day.

He has a car and in his home, and he can to a must improve wages.

In are paid decent The We are not in that fortunate , ...

Demands have been made for in­ by .

wages by workers employed creased L ..:.-.

� 291 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate292 a I have tabled position in this country.
that the United Motion recommending Kingdom Government be asked to con­ vert the loan of $20 million into an out­ right grant to this Government, the previous loan granted was wasted by the Interim because to this country Government.

which were and irriga­ out drainage of acres of land under long before it came into power.

ment in carrying tion schemes at Black Bush, Torani, Boerasirie and Tapacooma started I see thousands bush awaiting hands to make it produce.
sirie scheme is completed ment is still people on the land or giving When the hon.

Member for Eastern Dem­ erara was Minister he made trips to the Boerasirie Scheme and smv land which Govern­ ment said it was willing people.

the plough and human The Boer:1- but Govern­ dilly-dallying about �ettling them land.

Resources Extension of Natural to give to the ..


It is something which should be they are unclassified civil by this Gov<ornmen,t which better considered would be able to pay its workers wages, but the workers themselves, ser­ whether must realize workers, vants or unskiNed to them and that this country belongs they must pull their weight if it is to pro­ gress.

There must be no "go slow" tac­ tics which members of the public about.
Whether abroad or raise internal loans assume financial responsibility country dependent we borrow money from we must as an in­ and nation.

grouse J "' land.

Where are the experts who We heard so much this afwrnoon authorities people road We find that the sugar have been able to use it is said that the soil is pegassc of producing.

about experts.
about experts.

estate lands six miles aback, but the present Government is not willing to settle on land two miles from the public because and incapabie Can :t i�e said that the sugar people do not know what they are doing when they are i)ro­ ducing soil at Uitvlugt?

trict we have coffee being grown on pegasse are advising Government not taking steps to settle people on the land?

sugar cane in three feet of pegasse this Government?
Why is dis­ In the Pomeroon I am concerned to see this ::ountry Central force driving but it cannot get a move on un­ The hon.

Member for on the prosper, less there is some dynamic it forward.

laid stress Georgetown emphasis being put on the production of rice.

I have read that it is estimated that the world population billion It is such a fantastic world is amazed at the prospect, but in to worry we have nothing this country about so far as rice is concerned.

Venezuela of our padi at $9.50 per bag.


by the end of the present figure that the entire to buy 25,000 t.:ms is willing century.

will reach 30 Much has been said in the matter of of be­ There is in the world is 25 million Government a year; in British In the Far East the rate of and it is the of the Government of to take them into the areas employment.

has a sacred re­ of but that people are mov­ development.

increase our agricultural a tremendous population.


increase Guiana there has been an increase tween 3 and 3½ per cent.

It is not only that the world is facing an increase its population ing into the urban areas, responsibility every country where they can find sequently sponsibility the interior country which require irrigation.

like Siam, there are exactly problems co-operative workers in areas on a 50-50 basis.

Of the 50 per cent.

of the urban population in those areas about 25 per cent.
return to the urban areas, still problem.

and other areas of the drainage in the Far East, the same by a which have been tackled system whereby workers but some progress to the community made in solving In countries and general settled to develop Con­ and is the unemployment agricultnr::il are :,ettled I think this Government ing benefits from the Interim reap­ is still Govern� But where are we?

We are not We are only talking in the in when we should be talking producing.
negative, j 293 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate294 [MR. JAi NARINE SINGH] the positive.

are going--cvery child.

Let us be sure where we man, woman and Motion for the Second Reading Bill intituled of the "An Ordinance supplies granted of the Legislative in the current Council."

the to appropriate Session I must criticize for its Government wh;ch scheme, waiting only wakes up at something to the Boerasirie amount of land owned but by peasant pro­ for on Government has to use it.
Government What is the use of is being produced'!

do not want Government attitude is in an area well known to me.

I see there a tremendous not by Government prietors still assistance spent $12,500,000.

that unless These people to do everything for them.

They are only hoping that Government them a helping through duce Cirops like coffee and pineapple.
will give hand and finance them so that they can 1,:ro­ Mr. Jai Narine Singh: Mr. Speaker, straight, in order to set the record and in al who said answer to the Attorney-Gener that the "Opposition" Budget time, I wish to remind Members that there are 13 Motions in my name for the year 1959.

These ' • I have renewed handed this new year I have already in two new Motions.

tion that I wa,s so disgusted with what.


the Government did with one of the Motions that I withdrew pose of the record, because be familiar wondering-- the Attorney-General may not with them, and may be it.

For the pur­ I wish to read them, in the year 1960, and for have advised I may also men­ standing a period, still The experts aga!.rtst people at the back of the Boera­ If that is so, then some taken to steps should be Experts farming communities.

settling sirie project.


other practical encourage coming here have often been unable to done.

One tell us exactly what should be expert came here from the United King­ dom!, and when he saw the beautiful fields of rice he said he thought a beautiful the technical grass family, t.o differentiate.

form of grass growing.

[n sense rice belongs but this expert was not 1b1e they were to the Mr. J Mr. Speaker: read all those Motions?

Do you propose to ',,.


a i Narine Singh: For the pur­ pose of the record, Attorney-General aware of them.

does not seem to be and because the Mr. Speaker: for you to mention are on record already.

I think it is sufficient they them, because Mr. Speaker: up?

Are you winding Mr. Jai Narine Singh: I wanted to Mr. Jai Narine Singh: No, Sir.

Mr. Speaker: I think we ought 'to now.

This sitting adjourn, pended until eight o'clock shall be grateful vour to let us have a quorum punctually at eight.
is now sus-• tonight.

if Members will endc!

't­ I APPROPRIATION BILL BUDGET DEBATE RESUMPTION in case he me.

I would have rbne charge them on his memory, did not believe him a good turn on this occasion.

I shall now turn to rice.

Experts who cpme to this coup.try for a few mornings become great experts and in a terrific Government way.

is involved That is what happened in this country during the time of the Interim ment.
Every three or four days experts came, and we should have accomplished many things, but that is not the case.

Govern­ A Member: Venezuela.

.. D Council, at 8 p.m., resumed the debate O!l the Financial Secreta.ry's a rine Singh: I am goingJ Mr. Jai N to answer him.

295 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate296 Mr. Speaker: · From my experience, these interventions set Members off on a tangent prolong do not help.

They and they the debate.


Mr. Jai Narine Singh: The whole was going to be supplied with I look at my copy of the country electricity.

Development see that rural important place in it.

Programme, occupies electrification and I do not an Mr. Benn: No money, no money.

• :.i, for us to re­ Mr. Jai Narine Singh: I hear from side shouts of "no planning, done by long-term from countries like the the United Kingdom and the Government money".
It is important member that we may be able to have some things and assistance United States, Venezuela.

If we do not have the cash, then we have the credit-worthiness.

we are a Colony, incapable At international Britain and Bnitain's interests and last, and Guianese all.

come first, second interests But and as such we are conferences British that represents for ourselves.
of bargaining it is Great Guiana, not at radicals to his every person is entitled There may be conserva­ and others, suppose own opinion.

but there is tives, always some goal at which a country aims in spite of politics.

becoming country.

cross, you must jump in.

Why stand on the bank?

Sink or swim, get in there!

Ghana became and Ghana does not owe one penny.


From the latest reports (U.S.) will be invested an independent If there is a river you must We must aim at nation and an independent $600 million in Ghana.

country, Ghana has Since her independence been able to show the light in bettering the conditions every colonial struggling cause it is known that with such a status the standard of the people.

Today country in Africa is to become independent, of living can be raised.
be­ While we are struggling for our there are those who sit Table and say that independence around this horse-shoe we are not yet mature for independence.

has refused as to whether that Government I want to touch on the Depart­ are dealt with.

is not function­ should and place can rely.

It is a shame that does not believe then Government concerned people on whom Gov­ ments where legal matters It appears to accept the very legal advice of its Law Officers Department people should have more wages or not.
If the Legal Department ing properly, the persons dismiss there competent ernment Government advice tendered ment.

Thousands cause a certain section of the Govern­ ment does not accept the advice given.

It is a serious matter, ment should consider to the Legal Department advice, either fire the staff, and for their appointment power.
in the by the Legal Depart­ of people suffer be­ and the Govern­ that once they go they accept relieved and obtain whoever of that that advice or is responsible In the next five years this country from different has to raise $110 million purposes.

If for developmental sources we were not controlled could by Britain, we raise it?

I say we could raise n0t but $500 million.

There is $110 million Fund, and the the International Inter-American Bank has been formed with the capital countries.
Monetary Development of American India has become and natural are greater than which are British Guiana is bigger in size, and its potentialities, human resources many Western countries independent.

an independent or 16% of its people literate, Ghana with 20%, but in British 80%.

The hon.

Member for New Am­ sterdam feels 150 years before He is a member of the People's Congress and that is how he feels.

I for that we must be taught we can run our affairs.
National nation with 15 % Guiana it is .........._ It seems to me that the plight cf with the streets people walking no food in their homes, is very bad and barefoot, 1 ; 297 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate298 should consider [MR. JAI NARINE SINGH] Government well it6 actions.

The At,torney-General knows about this, and I think Ministers of the Government know about it too.

I see the Attorney-General lifts his head and watches tion be paid to these matters.

me.
me.

It is time that some -atten­ little the in of justice will be giving Guia;na is in its most chaoltic matter: as practised I go on to another administration Bri�ish state.

As I told the Chief Secretary, sooner or later magistrates their judgments might even be in better than they have now.

I would ask Mem­ bers to go and see the conditions under which the staff of the Magistrate's Court work; how they fall one upon the other, and I think it is time that Gover;,ment should under trees.
If so, it take a note of it.

accommodation We have cases lying in the judiciary for five, six, seven years.

and cases are not heard.

That is not the proper way.

I am not saying this is a recunent problem.

Witnesses die, it �n the Finance railsed seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.

Committee and· it form on Health of Labour, Department.

Medical matter of interest in the carrying out of their I wish to turn now to a knotty pro� ' There', which has taken place � Hospital.
There is in the doctors and blem-the is a serious at the Georgetown a conflict specialists work.

There is a prescribed which the Minister and Housing and th� specialists have agreed; but this is what happens: "Mrs. X" takes her daughter 15 years old vate patients treatment.

this patient at the doctor's time or, if she agrees, the evening.

tempt with which this non-paying is treated, to feel that she is unwanted, difficulty lies.
After waiting for 2½ hours is told that she can be seen There are pri­ who are also there for she can return in But the scorn and con­ that patient and there is where the to be treated.

A or 16 surgery causes after a certain patient The Attorney-General: If the Mem­ that cases have for five, six or seven years, ber makes allegations been unheard it is a very serious will wiish to satisfy who will be most anxious about it by substantiating his case.

mauer.
mauer.

Perhaps a number of people he of inter­ conflict Government has worked out a plan in which there is great est.

If they have to be paid specialist fees, I feel that all fees paid at the hos­ pital should go to the Government.

Cer­ tainly, charge those who can afford to pay, but let it go into Government's re­ v.enue and then we shall have things running in the way they should be run.
I think every member of the "Opposition" somehow feels that all is not well in the Specialists' Department at the George-., town Hospital because of the specialist fees the doctors Mr. Jai Narine Singh: I am certain on the to charge.

are allowed I have looked carefully into the for 1960; I have looked care­ with which .l and I am making th� the facts fully.

If the wishes to know, I am of the Supreme of what I say.

A 1948 case is still list.


This is a department am conversant, statement knowing Attorney-General sure the Registrar Court will tell him.

There are six or seven hundred cases, on the judges because their best to have them heard.

I want to make it clear that there ruption.

circumstances, cause justice delayed think that is an old maxim.

I have raised this matter now because but this is no reflection they are doing But it as impossible, for justice to be done be­ is justice denied.
I Estimates fully in'.to th� Development and I see we are lagging on this question of roads and communications.

The hon.

Minister knows my views on this of roads.

The obvious answer question is that they have not got the money.

But many countries have not got money.

If the Elected the authority, from Britain Guiana could benefit roads.
Government has not got then they should seek it , from having good is no cor­ in the so that the people of British I had Estimates, L _..,,__ >, 299 Appropriation Bill 20TH 1ANVARY, 1960 - Budget Debate If I have to go to New Amsterdam 1 think it over one hundred have to go to Trinidad, happy, times.

If I I am happy­ and my system I have no dislocation of the • is intact.
knee or arm, but when I think of going not tired or bored, ' to Skeldon, • on the Corentyne Corentyne--and but I fear going to the I have a good car.

I dread it.

I have relatives What has gone building?

New York I saw they and had the old building It is the management.

Certainly showing Guiana are What about and peace-loving?

Trinidad has im­ and when I was cause the people in British docile the airport proved on its building, through passing had condemned put up a new building.
wrong with our people or country?

or the is wrong with the people Nothing It is country.

they direct the "overlords'.

their hands.

their policy When I spoke to the hon.

Minister Communications have a derelict and he said, "We'll use the old one"­ eaten by wood ants.

That is a building the place we have.

When I was in Panama they were removing and preparing fortunate!

are capable try; not just to think and forget.

of and Works I said, "We building for the jet age.


It is un­ We want men of vision who of thinking mountains for their coun­ without at the airport'', Whilst I was in the United States I had the pleasure of travell·· Guiana if there were good of America ing by road to Washington.

I can tell you this: At so many miles we paid a toll.

Who would not like to pay a toll in British roads?

I feel that something should be done in British Guiana.
If the Government or capacity ing company know if the Mitchell can do it.

to do it, then get some financ­ abroad to do it.

I do not has not got the finance Engineering similar Group Last year the East Coast railway $1 million.

is it not time for and the West Coast rail­ lost $740,000 way lost $161,000-nearly If that is the position, us to begin to take note of what is hap­ pening around us?

If we are going to be an attraction of Georgetown some tourist to think in these terms.
if the people for tourists; would be .docupied we have to begin business, in We have to begin to think of a deep of America When I was in the United harbour.

States ing scientists British they said: "Build your harbour eight miles out."

Take your harbour I consulted and after I told them of Guiana's difficulty out.

of this silfr1g, engineer­ is in the handling have been given the of in which British Gui­ like Trini­ behind places matter B.W.I.A.

Another ana is lagging dad and Britain aircraft.


monopoly passengers and that is a terrific Trinidad, has a 'plane minutes.

ing done in British leaving the movement of to control Guiana to and from British hindrance to us.

which is just next door to us, every 10, 15 or 20 Why is not the same thing be­ Guiana?

Is it be- T.qis country has certain obvious speak of drainage the legislator, and irrigation.

resources.
resources.

resources which we must, sooner or if we are going to t,c­ difficulties later, overcome and this ..:ount1y come a great country; which awaits it.

has greatness certainly Its It has human and natural are and mineral agriculturai it cannot be denied.

My tremendous, of drainage speaks friend When I was 10 years old I heard Mr. Eleazer, and irrigation-that was since I was a that would be the boy-and I believe theme even when I am gone to the Great There is no place in this world Beyond.
where man can live and strive unless he tills the land.

In the United Kingdom 20 per cent.

of the population live the farms in a highly industrialized try.

British tion.

We have not even started and c•annot our country dustrialize from the land.

Let ourselves of divorcing our problems are us not be mistaken; witb those of oth,er simple compclred countries.

they have our fight against had to clear mountains; in comparison.
the ocean is nothing In other countries to in­ tJ1ink Guiana cannot on coun­ be an excep­ Agriculture of any is the mainstay and it must be that of British country, ----- 301 Appropriation Bill 20TH iANUARY, i96Q - Budget Debate302 .. f I for all realize the better It is time that even civil ser­ that they will some day for the run­ [Mil.

J.u NARINB SINGH] Guiana.

When I speak of agriculture do not mean the primitive method which for has been practised in this country generations.
is In the U.S.A. agriculture looked upon as a means of living which has finance behind it.

There a farmer and his family with the aid of machines manage between 300 and 500 acres of land.

He has three motor cars in his garage, and and several sends his children ties.

In British farmer as barefooted, clothes ernment's farmers will have to change its views and policies in some respects.

with patched It is Gov­ and under-nourished.


responsibility the to assist and to do so it country have to assume r-esponsibiiity ning of this country concerned.

vants take note of their responsibilities.

I feel that economy of the country We heard the hon.

in other departments.

Member for Georgetown Central remark about Government wishing to exercise wrong about economy.

There is nothing that.


The sugar producers have in­ in which bull­ a plan of economy stituted dozers and draglines of human hands, a single dragline operates.
have taken the place for where 50 men toiled or bulldozer in the administration as economy If human hands are available refrigerators, to the best universi­ in this country, is as important Guiana we think of a they now of millions, It is not only the policy of the pre­ but an old British sys­ Party The Majority that system which is not in of the people of this coun­ but sent Government tem of leasehold.

has adopted the interest try.


We do not need $50 million hundreds will have to provide which people would be able to pay for their lands.

Fragmentation is not an in­ legislation surmountable can be Egypt has had to provided adopt strong against ation, comes necessary.

problem; to control it.

measures and we can do the same if it be­ but Government under conditions fragment­ • Guiana but flooding not only in British in the urban areas.
It is a One of the which this Government is not of over­ is the problem must be used to produce.

problems facing squarely population problem into the cities in the world-the It is the duty of the rural population.

of the Government to work out some plan by which these people can be provided employment.

with gainful the industrial development try within the next 5 or IO years will not be sufficient the population am one of those who believe in organized production.

Government people duce.


It is no use having officers and drainage engineer through s passing Men with technical with those with practical must work experience.

must teach the and when to pro­ As I see it, of this coun­ to absorb the growth of of unemployed how to produce knowledge .. people.

1 and irrigation in cars.

villages agricultural There has been continuous agitation and other Govern­ are to be modified, but no for more pay.
Rumours that leave passage has been made by the Financial t among civil servants ment employees have been circulating conditions statement Secretary or any Member of the Govern­ ment on the subject.

rumours officers for leave passages Kingdom in 1958.

The expenditure leave passages was $580,000 compared estimated There is a strong opinion the amount.

that our civil servants are definitely going slow; that three men are doing one man's of this job.
The sooner civil servants with $225,000 for this year-almost on in 1958 as in 1959 and has been a rush by Government to the United The result double of the Mr. Speaker: minutes more.

You have only six Mr. Jai Narine Singh: I am very to you, Sir.

I feel that we should grateful work ·out our own economic forget what other countries cannot do.

The hon.

Member for Central said that Georgetown was not prepared her .independence.

India prepared.
India prepared.

Russia imported when she was givrn I say that neither plan and can do or �igeria -1 was - ---- • ti, 303 Appropriation Bill 20TH iANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate304 Administration and The Inter­ be­ and American and paid them high salaries India did the same experts, of which the Americans Americans, Germans, Englishmen Frenchmen to teach her people.

and Ghana is now doing the same thing.

will do it tomorrow.


Nigeria national Co-operation technicians to this coun­ has sent several plans, in our development try to assist but there is some conflict of opinions tween the British as a result twiddle not hearsay; two of the experts was concerned with roads.

names.

They left British gust because accepted, of fact they As a matter even sought.
came with wonderful plans and a lot of money which they could not even land of ours spend in this poverty-stricken because I will not mention Guiana in dis­ their advice was not was not and their co-operation it was told to me by at least who were here.

One and the other their This is their thumbs in disgust.

with soil of the lack of co-operation.

to providing more money as the population no alternative for primary education continues cult, however, for increases education at university level".
money to find additional for in public expenditure to grow.

It does make it diffi­ real seems to have caused in the minds of certain the Government This statement Members doubts as to whether is spend­ ing as much money as it ought to spend on university education, and I think this matter was first raised by the hon.

Nominated to assure planning so with regard -Recurrent assure further only be justified on education munity demand it.
Member, Members that Government on education its expenditure to the Budget as a whole and Development.

them that Government will money as the needs of the com­ I wisl1 Mr. Tasker.

in did in spending more I can First of all, it is the statutory obligation primary country.

of Government to provide free of this for the children education Secondly, is providing Government aid to secondary education where a few ye� -s ago none was forthcoming.
this year lion on education-primary, and at university Recurrent $50 million.

secondary, part of the level-as and that is 15% of Government is spending In fact, $7 mil­ Budget, Mr. Speaker, I see that you are at your watch.

I thank you for looking your indulgence.

The Minister of Community Devel­ in them&elves (Mr. Rai): I do in any sophistry of the Budget.
opment and Education to indulge not propose or rhetoric in defence Both the Budget Speech and the Budget are excellent and com­ to anyone mend themselves very readily financ­ with Government who is familiar ing.

I think the Government ought to by be congratulated husbanding means of careful of its re­ a tax­ and by wise expenditure, sources free · Budget.

for producing, and I to education of an in the allocations This is a very poor country, would ask hon.
Members who have not done so to go into the implications increase level.

at university Estimates Recurrent is allocated $510,000 the University dies.

That shows that the Government has not broken faith with its obligations and its contribution There is a note to sub-head bottom of the same page 75, which states: On page 75 of the it will be seen that for the upkeep of of the West In­ has not decreased.

No.
No.

11 at the College "Contributions to the University Col­ Hospital including expenditure lege and Teaching capital posed extension Provision Estimates for arrears deleted."

in respect of the Teaching of the pro­ contribution Hospital in I 959 I would like, however, to allay the some of the statements fears and remove the misconceptions, well as correct Members of this Council Departments istry.
Speech, as of in respect of my Min­ In paragraph it is stated: the "It is most difficult to sustain education needs of secondary 23 of the Budget which fall within cost of primary ever increasing much less the growing However, education.

the Government sees I, �- • 305 Appropriation Bill 20TH iANUARY, f 96◊ - Budget Debate306 ' I [MR. RAI] College "I fully realise the importance Exhibition attach any importance the national quote the relevant speech: scheme of things.
passage in my to education in I shall physical the importance a national the lives of element education as an indispensable of development-both national of our I also resources.

human and our of education realise in creating and in en­ personality of individuals.
riching I would plead, however, for an understanding the vast economic blems facing the people of this country upon us all, in assessing our limited gard to our physical blems thus laying and cultural the educational ture of the state can be firm!¥ built."

to have first re­ pro­ and economic on which a secure base and governmenr which make it incumbent of and page There is also the contribution Agriculture-$5,760, along with another tenable every year two for the at the for 1960.
In addition, of $13,805 to Fund-British That repres,ents an amount which was for in 1959, and there is no provided decrease actually there is our contribution the U.C.W.I.

Guiana makes available exhibitions, Diploma in Education, U.C.W.l.

to students at the Imperial Tropical 107 of the Recurrent Estimates also shows the amount of $80,000 students.
By for loans to University students means of this fund many who the means have had would not otherwise or to attend a university, inside either outside to are able do so-apart offered by private tionally, some $200,000 schemes training Service, to assist tive and technical positions.

these figures that I seek to allay the fom of which I spoke.

from the opportunities firms.


Addi­ in the Estimates for scholarships for persons in the Civil them to fill administra­ the Commonwealth, I was merely pointing That is what I said, and I stand by it.

It does not say that I do not attach im­ to education portance or that I give it a position subsidiary in the life of this country.

.- vast problems facing fact that we must first agree to the phy­ of those problems.

The sical solution term 'productive' was used in the economic of sense-services wealth.
out the and the productive there appears the country business allocated superstruc­ priorities resources, It is with :l!ld with of and other social pro­ We cannot go on producing gradu­ ates for whose services mand.

These problems developed countries.

India, where M.A.s and Ph.D.s were on doors for jobs.

knocking there is no de­ arise in under­ It has happened in The sum of $274,000 there for aid to secondary over the next five years Government be helping to equip laboratories nual cost of $80,000.
at an an­ be will al.,., schools, and will I therefore tion in the charges not showing an active sity education needs.

cannot see any justifica­ that Government is interest in uniwr­ Of course, there has been very little has been called of primary comment on the vast increases which upon to meet Government education.

in respect Member for Georgetown Central that I said in effect that education thing and J would not a productive was rn)t 1he obs•;rrcd l salaries.
Some mention has been made of the system, schools have a grant recognized by Government, in this Members that no change in the policy of schools.

of teachers' for the time in the pay­ and termina­ Under the Denomina­ ..

Bodies may, if they put up schools of primary dual control I wish to assure country.

there has been of the control present tional approved towards the payment That system will continue being.
It has not been changed Education Code; the employment, ment, transfer, tion of employment Government proval its use­ outlived system has, fulness At the and needs revision.

moment I am having discussions tepres�tatives Schools.

now since it is under discussion, except to say that it is in fact a system that is y. hi�y discrin1inator of teachers bodies, subject to the ap­ of Education.

of the Director however, I would not like to say more promotion, rest with This with ---- -.
:......� of Denominational 307 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debar�308 On the question of Local Govern­ The school-building programme, Central, seat, has reforms.

ment, it seems as though my hon.

Friend, the Member for Georgetown since he has lost his Mayor-al lost interest in the Marshall There is a provision Estimates Local Government section.
appointment the Valuation Council is entirely of Valuation Ordinance in the Development of the in 1959, so that his statement Officers under passed in this for the continuation for the There is also provision erroneous.

Re-organization surveyors the building but to the for very good First of all.
the Department does not have a building of sec­ any staff to or technical of Education, last year it was transferred Works Department before klst year, was the responsibility of the Department during Public rcrcsons.

Education tion.

It does not have any architects, quantity supervise and that is why the building has been transferred Department.

partment charged Government best that this department, department, central sible for the building there should work.
is also the department which is with supervising of maintenance buildings, should be respon­ of schools be no duplication of these schools of schools and it is thought being the to the Public Works and that of its The Public Works De­ My hon.

Friend also said that there I do not see him in his seat, built during 1959, in were no schools and that if any schools this country, had for this been built he would apologize statement.
but I can assure you that four schools were built last year-St. Mary's Anglican at Goed Fortuin, West Banlc, Demerara; Christianburg erara River; Waramuri ca, North West District; campbell Coast, Demerara.

Church of Scotland, Anglican, Dem­ Moru­ and Strath­ I see that some Members are an­ In addition East Mahaicony, Methodist, to those schools, noyed because no taxes would be levied this year.

If taxes were to be levied Members would be annoyed and they would have had all sorts of things to say.
But, as I said before, I think the Government ought to be congratulated buildings were put up as extensions because the following existing schools: result Creek C.M.

School, had been critical Corentyne, Berbice; Cumberland Metho­ about what it is doing and what it is dist, Canje, Berbice; going to do, but the School, Zeelandia, must be considered Campbellville the Recurrent Campbellville, Here again we find my hon.

Friend mis­ and giving the Coun­ leading wrong impressions.
cil and the public other to Crabwood Creek, Development Budget with in conjunction Many Members of the Government Anglican and Wakenaam; East Coast, Demerara.

it could only have done this as a The Development of wise planning.

Government the Council Crabwood St. Paul's Budget.

School, made by a new spirit, and Members must not only There had been charges has not voted enough more school accom­ Under the Development sure Members, decade in this country, new blood; the hon.
Member for New Amsterdam judge the activities that Government merely on the Recurrent Govern­ moneys to provide as ment is not concerned ;modation.

some Members say.

Government is con­ Estimates of the people of cerned with the welfare to provide school places and spent yearly this country school buildings for children over the That is the distinction next five years.

I do not think he had ment and private seen this when he made tha.t statement.
why the railway one of the reasons He has also criticized by the Government.

still It is being run at a loss to employ people.

of Public Other services subsidized Education building this Government.

Works and the Department in connection and not to make profits.

between enterprise and that is is by Government is not in Budget.

with profits, the sum of $500,000 being maintained of this Government the Department with the school­ are actually programme.
Govern­ would be of Budget, will introduce a new and I can as­ ......... - 309 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate310 (MR. RAI] business the people.

; it has regard for the welfare of I have beard, here, that had there the in­ in the excise in the price of beer duty was 25 cents per The price of beer before and I can assure hon.

Members duty would not have not been an increase on beer the revenue fallen.
crease of excise bottle; who are interested that they can get as much beer to drink a;s they wish at 24 cents per bottle.

in the So I do not see that the increase duty on beer had anything excise to do We have with the fall in the revenue.

programme proposed and we a national It is true we support.

ask for national cannot make very much progress this country wards that freedom that freedom support forward.

is free.
is free.

We are working I would ask Members to and in order to reach this Government to­ unless in the plans put Mr. Saffee: I wish, first of all, to job in presenting which we are passing events that face Secre­ the hon.

the Financial for having done the congratulate tary, like other Members, a very excellent Budget for 1960.

When one thinks of the time through and of the strenuous that he has British Guiana, done a very,.very good job.
If we are to look at some of the figures in our recurre see it is to plan a budget for how difficult British quote from the Estimates?

nt budget we would readily Guiana at this time.

May I one ·feels is provided If you look at Public Debt you will see under that that $6,133,400 under that Head.

In 1958, the provision Head was $3,973,105.

Under the $6,133,400.

Assistance, $1,860,426 Under the Head, Transport bours, $1,800,000 and Har­ is provided.

In 1960, it is Head, Social is provided.

•.

My hon.
•.

My hon.

Colleague just mentioned to which I have referred better for a country under Mle circum­ see that they absorb a nothing can be done to the possibilities here.

If you side, you will see subsidizing the Trans­ to the Department so as not to put peo­ If you look at that we are partly port and Harbours tune of $1,800,000 ple out of employment.
those Heads you can readily great part of our revenue, like this, and I think, stances, improve look at the revenue under Customs and Excise-impo duties-that excise million; lion.

These are sources known fact that this country substantially, on income from certain sources as sugar, rice and bauxite.
In I think the Finan­ the circumstances has done his best to pres­ cial Secretary ent a Budget in which be hopes to save in 1960. a little duty on rum is estimated at $4.6 "' the three bigg est of reveinue-earning.

over one million dollars rt It is a depends, and income tax at $16.5 mil­ $18.12 million is estimated; If you look at the Head, Education, That is a very is made for of British from which it gets figure when taking into con­ Gui­ the economies you will see that provision the sum of $6,840,985.
enormous sideration ana and the sources its revenue.

Head, Medical, of $6,008,803 Department.

and Gratuities $2,118,073 If you look at Police $3,482,473 is provided If you look at Pensions you will see that under that Head.

you will see that under that Head.

When you look under the you will see that the sum for the Medical is provided is provided I would like to comment on some ..- that the money and irrigation He tried there, made by the hon.

Mem­ Central.
Mem­ Central.

of the statements ber for Georgetown this Council to persuade is earmarked for drainage of rice on for the cultivation intended I think he is and irrigated.

land drained mistaken to the Devel­ for reference opment Budget will show that there is not only for rice but for the provision cultivation of other crops, coffee, suggested spent on drainage of the sum of $24,679,718 the Development proposed age and irrigation.

Programme to spend $7 million etc.

The hon.


Member that too much money was being it is only on drain­ coconuts, and irriga such as cocoa, tion, but out allocated to f) 311 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate312 to let us join hands together I am did not know this Council of advising The hon.

Member also said that the was bad; that Government is and is inefficient.

for 1960 is based on his In other words the expert and that he was in­ this Government.
planning blundering sorry he is not in his seat, but I would like to remind him that this new Five­ year D�velopment was Programme planned expert who by an economic came here some time ago, and I think the programme recommendations.

hon.

Member was telling that the economic what he was doing, capable do not know where we should seek: During the Budget debate last advice.

year there was a suggestion that we to do our should expert planning.
has done that, Government but today we are told that the Govern­ ment's plan is no good, and that it is in­ capable hon.

Member also said that Government is planning any certainty On the other hand the hon.

Member for Georgetown producin an abundant countries.

rice because market for rice in other I do not know who is right.

South said that we are not there is of being able to sell it.

more rice without get an economic out its plan.


The of carrying g sufficient to produce 1 that we during with the result debt with this tremendowi ment, and a great deal of that money was squandered, are saddled today.

Had that money been properly utilized I am certain that period that there would have been a substantial increase in our revenue, have been able to provide ment for the unemployed.

Member missed that point.

He did not mention the Council that, but I would like to remind is a fact.
and we would more employ­ The hon.

that that Are those Members willing I agree that rapidly, the hon.

Member, our public debt is but I would like to who is not here, to pro­ a cheaper rate of to mounting invite and other Members on the other side of the Table, and ask the British Government vide us with loans at interest.

join hands with Members Party in the interest That is the challenge.

many of them babble and lot, but when the time comes for action they backslide.
legation appeal to the British view our financial to grant us loans at a cheaper interest.

every sincere community of the Majority of our country?

I know that talk quite a to Government seriously and rate of Let us send a joint de­ to the United Kingdom to which That is a suggestion not fail to accept.

and honest position member of our should The hon.

Member for Demerara said that who is not here tonight, River, this country is saddled public debt at the moment.
I would like to quote what the Financial Secre­ tary said on the subject his Budget Speech: on page 11 of with an enormous "The public debt at the end of 1959 $89 .9 million, is therefore amount of capital nuities for the Exchequer which we shall have sinking about $11.8 million.

less a small in the an• Loan, towards funds of repayment that our in­ a very alarming has reached suggested but I do not share his anxiety.
I My friend debtedness figure, agree that our public rapidly, be any great prospect greater but I would like tb remind this Council that a great lot of Joan funds was spent during and that there does not seem to of the Interim debt is mounting the period sinking of creating fund for its liquidation, Govern- a many sins, taxation additional My friend went on to say that had committed Government and I think one of those sins is that it had failed to propose for 1960.
He said it was done deliber­ ately, of the Govern­ because Members Elec­ of the General ment ,are thinking tion in 1961.

It is the duty and the responsibility pose taxation whenever to decide does not propose This year Government yet we hear some any increased that Government has Members saying committed a sin.

Apparently it is a sin to tax and a sin not to tax.

It is easy to criticize nomy is so frail and so dependent upon our Finan- of revenue that a few sources what to tax and when to tax.
and to find fault.

Our eco­ of any Government to im­ necessary, taxation, and 313 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate314 [MR. SAFFEEj cial Secretary time making two ends meet.

must have had a hard affected.

what he said, but with the public.

Member, Mr. that due to a lack of and supervision iri Departments there The hon.
Nominated Tasker, remarked proper administration some Government was bad relationship I wish to endorse I am sorry he did not say at what time those relations were adversely I take it that it was long before the Majority Party came into office.

I can say that the Majority Party has explored every possibility of improving these re­ lationships.

While it has been doing so, there have been other destroy the good sad affair for pretend to be patriotic deeds.
In his New Year Leader of the Majority Guianese public, vants, out of the difficult find ourselv es.

by words and not Message the Party asked the the civil $r­ including to join hands in an effort elements trying to work.

That is a very this country.

period in which we Some of us to move I think there is a challenge facing of this country.
the trade union leaders They owe a responsibility munity, sponsible proving Administration to the com­ a re­ in this matter of im­ attitude the relationship between the and they should display and the public.

some of our friends Unfortunately, on the other side want to crucify us for such circumstances, and misdeeds Party is doing its best to improve the situation.

of others.

and for the wrongs The Majority to attract The hon.

Nominated Member, Mr. said that Government had a climate that of capital.
has done the invest­ FrederickiS, not done enough to create would attract the investment I would say that Government everything possible ment of capital, ment was doing so, the "Opposition" our daily newspapers thing possible to destroy those efforts.

The charges un­ just and unreasonable.

realize very soon that the more respons­ ible and patriotic they behave, the better it will be for all Guianese.
they make are unfair, I hope they will but while the Govern­ were doing every­ and by would flow was that if one capital Guiana.

There are people I will touch on one point raised the hon.

Member for Eastern Demerara.

His amazing statement word were mentioned, into British all over the world with different ideo­ logical convictions, statesmen to destroy Russians realize troy the ideology and vice versa.

But today we see these people, in spite of their differing gies, trying together.

ideologies.
ideologies.

that they cannot and all the great that it is not possible realize one another's to come closer and closer The des­ ideolo­ of the Americans, a strike of em­ a very import­ who, as an advo­ figures played The Member for Georgetown North said that the Government was the only employer to experience ployees during the past three years­ but he did not say that he was one of the prominent cate of the strike, ant part in it.

There is dissatisfaction in every branch of the public service, I agree.
Those who are employed dissatisfied, ployed are dissatisfied, and those who are unemployed are dissatisfied.

What is the cause of this dissatisfaction?

Mainly it is that men and women need jobs.

Whose fault is it?

The fault of the present The people of British Guiana will decide what type of Government they want and also what kind of economic system they want.

Some people say, "I am not a Minister", but some people's ideas are outdated.
With those few words I would like to conclude, and add that it is with very great hopes that British 1960 .

bate on this 1960 Budget, pleased over a statement Firstly, that the hon.

Member for George­ town Central had for the first time at- Mr. Benn: In listening to the de­ I was very those who are under-em­ Government?

It is not, Sir.

Guiana faces a very prosperous and an incident.

are .... -J,•.

•w _,--.


:- 315 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate316 Secondly, of his speech, in to study a Budget presented tempted the statement by this Council.

the hon.

Member for Georgetown South, "this is at the beginning a Colony".

When one listens to the fulminations Members on the opposite how patriotic realize that British Guiana Colony.

of certain side o'f this Table, they are, and whether one wonders worse than the but as the hon.

Minister Company.
Minister Company.

One person was so ridi­ culous as to suggest, sugar industry: of Community Development tion said, Government in the sense that it is not run for profit.

Government runs certain benefit of the people.

Milk Pasteurisation and Educa­ is not in business services for the the It subsidizes Plant at a loss.

still is a they I am sorry that the hon.

Member We in this had some a Budget speeches had failed to govern.
have reduced and now we are in Elections, makes a higher and that the you will starve'; should be able to pay it shows Govern­ the businessman, suggested that wages to keep its employees We have heard statements in presenting The hon.

Mem­ North, I be­ The hon.


Member River regarded it as poli­ with an eye on the next being com­ and sugar indus­ but I know I am no economist, profit than for Eastern Demerara, is not here to be told that since I have both the Milk taken over the Ministry Plant and the Bacon Pasteurisation Factory their losses.

have heard the hon.

Member say: 'if you are not a businessman and have heard Government pared with the bauxite to demonstrate.

tries.
tries.

that bauxite staff, sugar and needs more technical and bauxite sufficient alive.

So I do not see how Members can suggest sociated payment is: Have those Members ing about increases workers suddenly awakened employees that Government paid lower wages than the bauxite pany?

The hon.

Nominated Mr. Tello, Government.

Council that Government ulterior motive without taxation.
ber for Georgetown lieve, ment's lack of imagination, that it was safe to conclude Government its ability for Demerara tical stunting General this dilemma.

We had considerable last year and parades noises, was proposed.

because taxation Now it has been proposed, that no taxation has been done because of ulterior That statement motives.

a parable of some little in the marketplace moaned at you and you did not weep; we piped onto you and you did not dance.'
I think the person who related that parable dom is justified think that Government's in this Budget and the beginning, of the new Development go a far way, inspite Members, of certain of every person living Mr. Tello: Actually, was that, fortunately, private has no intention of freezing it was demonstrated by the negotiations com­ just completed and like­ pany and the union concerned; entered wise, the sugar producers into with the union a progressive in the sugar catering industry.
me of reminds children sitting which said: 'We to the fact are being com­ Member, of the statements the lot in improving in this country.

with the bauxite of salaries.

enterprise wages and confidence this year, was a member of the Interim that Government can be as­ for the employees But the question of all her works.'
I ended by saying: of wages of the will Programme agreement who are shout­ the bauxite made arrangements in the industry what I said between 'but wis­ or possible We have heard reference made to had not, in for an in the increase Govern­ We have heard sug­ that Government was a bad and that Government was pay­ the fact that Government the Budget, increase salaries ment employees.

gestions employer � worse than the Demerara and wages of certain Bauxite Mr. Benn: The hon.
Nominated Member, Mr. Tello, is not the only Member who had spoken in this strain.

I said that the hon.

Member was a member of the Interim when the wages being paid to Govern- Govemmen: 317 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960 - Budget Debate318 on the Development to say that to speak gramme, had the temerity the Government but if the hon.

Member did not read the Programme to do some reading.

did not have a plan, then, he has now started Pro­ (MR. BENN] that Government were lower than the company.
Why did he not get ment employees bauxite up then and demand pay wages similar to the wages paid by the Demerara Bauxite year they are increasing Demerara year these things papers.

to the fact that Government are being paid lower wages than the bauxite are put in the news­ company's?

wages at the Bauxite Company.

Every Company?

Every Have they suddenly awakened employees production, in What is the position r situation.
I was at the agricultural with regard to the progi,eiss of Govrernment over the past year?
Let us look at the things and see ( 1) if there is no improvement done to the land; and (2) if Govern­ ment has not made any effort to improve the unemployment looking and although the figures have been given which showed that sugar has suffered during last year, it is true production that rice, which one or two Members referred manner, to in a very derogatory has increased to the high­ in production est level in the history - ex­ 105,000 panded and that purchases at the Pasteurisation in Plant were the highest its history, although losses amounting as a to $480,000.
Also, in fisheries result of the activities very many people have got employment increased and the exports of fisheries from $1,500 in 1958 to nearly $500,000 in 1959.

People had to work to get exported.

these things some activity.

has been done!

tons; that milk production But, of course, of the country There bad to be nothing went down to 1959. thus providing rose about 100,000 _4 was 1,050 pounds in has not been year.

What of plantains a market for of many of our farmers.
Beef-by-air pounds over the previous about the new exports to Trinidad, the produce The amount of plantains exported Trinidad But then, the Government marking time in agricultural develop­ ment?

Over 300 new acres of cocoa were put under cultivation partment sufficient acres in 1960.

Everyone Guiana's this time.

One or two Members suggested that there is little tion.
has distributed to plant 1,000 knows British to Fryol at have diversifica­ of Agriculture cocoa seedlings position with regard and the De­ One hon.

Member speaking about to George Meany.

One or two What a leader!

of the fight the in the United States with mentioned and seemed to suggest was better wage freezing referred He is it who said that there is no such thing as proletariat of America.

hon.
hon.

Members who are associated the trade union movement the sugar industry that even the sugar industry than Government.

One hon.

Member said that it was not the intention trade unions to consistently How can we expect that?

employers.

them to bite the hand that Do we expect feeds them?

It is public that knowledge many of the trade unions were subsi­ demonstrations dized to carry out certain that last year.
It is public knowledge certain drew money from big business around to go gallivanting the world.

How can they ever attack those from whom they get aid?

We do not expect country have It is true that some of them hold the sway today, but the time will come when the axe will be put at the root of this irresponsible it.

But the workers trade unionists to these facts.

awakened of this tree.

Before going to the other aspects speech I should Guiana is gloomy; that the whole picture of the hon.
Member's like to refer to one or two statements which suggested in British ernment is doing nothing regard to employment; crime - terrible try (somebody .

the Heavens were falling.

Member, who did not take the trouble that there is crime - in this coun­ that Gov­ at all with and that One hon.

mentioned jail); L_ � 319 Appropriation Bill 20TH JANUARY, 1960.

Adjournment 320 -· ADJOURNMENT Mr. Speaker: Perhaps this may I did not wish to interrupt - time to adjourn.

Minister the hon.
Minister the hon.

be a convenient Mr. Tello: I crave Your Honour's a matter.

indulgence to mention Mr. Speaker: cil is adjourned Tomorrow.

Coun- until 2 p.m. tomorrow.

special - •