Ryan Bachoo
Lead Editor - Newsgathering
The Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) is urging the government to prepare a budget that is "oriented to the common good."
In a statement on Monday, the CCSJ said even as the government seeks to grow the nation's economy, it must ensure that resources are used to create conditions which will improve the material standard of living of citizens.
"The centrality of the person, the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity are key social justice principles that should guide our government in the preparation of the forthcoming budget," the statement added.
It went further in saying, "Our people are our greatest asset. Economic justice requires that the economy serves the people. Therefore, all budgetary decisions should be underpinned by a consideration of issues such as equity, equality, and distributive justice."
The CCSJ also pointed out the fiscal challenges the country faces including the cost of grappling with high levels of crime and violence.
The body, which is headed by Leela Ramdeen, called for the "reversal" of the trend of deficit budgets. "It is essential that we work towards reversing this trend, as we are stewards also for those who come after us and we should not saddle them with huge debts," the statement read.
It concluded by saying, "Whatever total sum is available in our budget, let us use it wisely to improve the quality of life of all our people. Let us reject corruption, the culture of waste, inefficiency and lack of accountability and transparency that exist in certain quarters and which hinder progress.
Let us promote, instead, efficiency and effectiveness in fiscal management, and good leadership in the public and private sectors and among all citizens. Good governance is essential if we are to manage our affairs effectively and equitably."
