Delay is unprecedented, says De Couto; it’s lawful, wise and prudent, says Premier
Government can continue to pay its bills even though the Budget has been delayed.
The House authorized up to a quarter of the expenditure of last year’s budget for a maximum four-month period from April 1st, with the Budget scheduled for May 2nd.
The law allows for such an action, although Shadow Finance Minister Dr Douglas De Couto says such a delay is unprecedented in Bermuda…
When Dr De Couto brought up his concerns in the House, Premier and Finance Minister David Burt countered that Ministers had actually prepared budgets before the election, but Government is using the legally permitted time to allow new Ministers to ensure budgets are prepared in line with the platform on which the PLP was re-elected…
Dr De Couto once more brought up that the PLP did not win more than half of the popular vote in the election – although they won more than any other party or candidate.
The Premier once more accused the Shadow Finance Minister of sour grapes…
