The Budget has been passed in the Upper House.

Again the opposition bench in the Senate did not help its passage.

Twenty-two Senators from the government and opposition benches yesterday afternoon gave the nod to the package.

Opposition Senators abstained, as their colleagues did in the Lower House.

In winding up the debate, Finance Minister Colm Imbert dismissed the contributions of the opposition Senators.

But he explained why taxes have been placed on apples and grapes.

Minister Imbert assured the increase will be minimal.

Further he sought to explain the justification for the imposition of tax on these food items.

Earlier during the Budget debate, opposition Senator Anil Roberts asserted that the government is carrying out the wishes of the International Monetary Fund.

The Senator also said the entire 2021 Fiscal Package reflects I.M.F measures and directives.

He warned foreign exchange would be targeted soon.

Senator Roberts said government is stringing the population along but warned that there is disaster ahead.