Leader of the Rise, Organise and Rebuild (ROAR) Guyana Movement, Mr. Ravi Dev and member of the Guyana Action Party-Working People's Alliance (GAP-WPA), Ms. Shirley Melville were the two Opposition Members of Parliament who remained for the debate.

The other Member of Parliament representing the GAP-WPA, Ms. Sheila Holder walked out with the PNC/R, following closely behind PNC/R leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte.

This sparked speculation about disunity in the GAP-WPA camp, since Holder's alliance colleague Melville did not follow her in the walkout. Melville, however, told reporters there was no disunity with Holder or within the GAP-WPA alliance.

Asked why she chose to remain in Parliament, Melville said: "It's a learning process...that is the decision and line that we felt could be taken and at no point I felt that it could jeopardise the people of Guyana; I am here to represent a constituency and I feel committed to that responsibility which has been bestowed on me."

She, however, pointed out that she and Holder are "two different individuals" and that there are sometimes personal differences among members of GAP-WPA.

The PNC/R walkout, immediately after the motion was moved for the commencement of the debate on the massive $68.9Bln budget, came as no surprise as the party also walked out two Fridays ago when Finance Minister, Mr. Saisenarine Kowlessar stood up to present the 2002 Budget in the House.

There were also indications last week from the PNC/R that it might not participatThere were also indications last week from the PNC/R that it might not participate in the traditional debate unless some grouses it has with the Government are addressed by the administration.

The PNC/R indicated at a news conference last week that it would have attended the National Assembly yesterday (and other days thereafter) but it is keeping its options open on taking part in the debate. It said it had adopted a method of "reviewing" its position daily until some outstanding matters and grouses with the Government are resolved and "there will be no business as usual".

Despite the walkout, several members from the Government side made their presentations, endorsing the budget and the macro-economic policies and framework the administration says are aimed at maintaining economic stability and reducing poverty in Guyana.

Among those making presentations yesterday were Prime Minister Sam Hinds; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir; Attorney General, Mr. Doodnauth Singh, and Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Bibi Shadick.

Mr. Hinds, in lauding the budget, expressed disappointment that most of the Opposition parliamentary members chose not to participate in "fruitful and meaningful" debate on the various matters that are in the interest of the nation.

He also gave an update on the wide-ranging sectors under his portfolio, such as the Guyana Power and Light Company Ltd (GPL); mining - gold, bauxite and diamonds - and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd. (GT&T).

Speaking on the mining industry during his more than 45-minute presentation, the Prime Minister said it is true that the industrial sectors in the world have been experiencing greater difficulties, especially in the areas of steel and aluminum. He was, however, very optimistic that the Aroaima Bauxite Company (ABC) in Guyana will be able to "see itself through this year" to make its yields without any recourse to the budget.

He said too that based on projections from knowledgeable persons, there could be a very significant pool of petroleum resources offshore Guyana and Suriname. The Prime Minister also noted that institutions in the mining sector, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in particular, have been showing improving performance.

"...but one can still discern the needs for institutional strengthening both with regards improved systems within the GGMC and increased knowledge and experience to assist the miners with improving their operations," he told the House.

He noted too that the Guyana Gold Board continues to have a place to sell gold at prevailing international prices.

Touching on the issue of electricity and energy, Mr. Hinds said he does not expect anyone would want to deny that electricity supply has continued to improve.

"But we couldn't ignore the complaints that the improvements have been too slow and the price increases have been more than it should be," the Prime Minister said.

He reiterated his, and the Government's, commitment that "we would have good electricity at the lowest possible, sustainable prices".

During last year, the major problems with electricity were too many outages, billing complaints, problems with meter readers and meter readings, hasty disconnection, tardiness in reconnections, electricity losses remaining high contributing to higher than necessary prices and widespread demands for extension of electrification, he said.

Nadir also gave a lengthy presentation on the various aspects in the Industry and Tourism sectors and the numerous plans that the Government has in train for the enhancement and further growth and development of these in the Guyana economy.

He also lauded the Finance Minister for presenting a "very sound" budget.