Simply, wow. Those familiar with the technical aspects of governance were completely shell shocked when Ali boldly and jokingly remarked, ‘Now, I did not consult with the Minister of Finance, I see him looking nervously’
This facetious remark followed the declaration of a major policy for the housing sector with massive fiscal implications. On Friday night, Ali announced free ‘steel and cement’ packages as well as no down-payment and reduced interest rates to persons who would like to build their own homes.
He informed the opening of the 2022 International Building Expo that for persons who would like to construct a house for GY$6 million and lower, the government “will support home ownership” by “giving every single family in the category of affordable homes” steel and one sling of cement to build their foundations.
Despite the seriousness of what was announced, Ali was naively proud to announce to the world that he did not seek the advice of his Minister of Finance. In an effort to seek the most learned clarity on what appeared to be ‘hare-um scare-um’ governance, ‘Credible Sources’ put this strange development to those well learned in the highest levels of governance.
They have concluded that the approach on display in Ali’s speech concerning his sudden policy announcement, teems with dangers for Guyana. If taken to its logical end, this means that Ali comes up with schemes and does not consult with Cabinet before there is an official policy announcement.
This, in their view, is backward governance that could result in massive confusion for the technical personnel of the government. As it relates to the sudden and capricious policy to subsidize the construction of homes, it means that the Minister of Finance must scramble and conceive a plan after the fact.
In the view of the governance experts consulted by this publication, it signals the lack of planning and careful consideration before the regime embarks on policies that could impact the nation’s coffers. If this approach is taken to national security and more, therein lies the dangers in Ali’s installed presidency.
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