Leader of the Rise Organise And Rebuild Guyana (ROAR) movement, Mr. Ravi Dev and Ms. Shirley Melville of the Working People's Alliance/Guyana Action Party (WPA/GAP) alliance were the only Members of Parliament occupying the Opposition benches, with a handful of PNC/R Parliamentarians who were present, walking out at the start of the session.

On their way out they were heckled by members of the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) claiming they (PNC/R members) had attended only to claim travelling reimbursements.

However, during the session the two Opposition members Dev and Melville raised several minor questions and clarifications.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry, in a statement yesterday, reacted to PNC/R criticisms of the budget saying the Opposition party would want Guyanese to believe that when it demitted office in 1992, the economy was "healthy and sound".

It, however, referred to the 1991 Budget speech by then Finance Minister, Mr. Carl Greenidge, which it said "reveals the true story".

The ministry released the following excerpts from that 1991 speech which it said reflected the decline of the economy at that time and which the current Government inherited in 1992:

** Manufacturing: "The industry produced 15 per cent less than its target and generated 22 per cent less revenue than forecast." (page 8)

** Sugar production: "Sugar output fell to 130,000 tons, a mere 76 per cent of the original target. This represented an all time low...Guyana had, for a second consecutive year, to request the EEC to treat our quota shortfall as an aberration." (page 9)

** Rice production: "Rice production, the lowest in 14 years, also fell some 40 per cent below the target and 34 per cent below the out achieved in 1989." (page 9)

** Livestock: "A 30 per cent decline in the output of livestock, reflecting decreased production of poultry and eggs." (page 10)

** Economic growth: "As a result of all these factors, GDP, instead of rising, actually fell by some 3.5 per cent." (page 10)

** Infrastructure: "It does appear that, somehow, the practice of some local officials and Diplomatic Missions to entertain visitors, including staff of the IMF, by taking them along the most comfortable of roads, leaves the impression in visitors' minds that the roads are in very sound condition and that in any case there are several roads to service the various population and production centres. This is far from the reality." (page 34).

The Finance Ministry yesterday concluded: "The facts speak for themselves".

At the sitting in Parliament yesterday, Dev questioned the reappearance of allocations for resurfacing the Public Service Appellate Compound on the ground that it was in last year's budget.

Prime Minister Sam Hinds replied that the work is being done in phases and the sum allocated in this budget is for continuation of the work

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Gail Teixeira said that while no allocation has been made for the establishment of an Indian Heritage museum, her ministry is moving in that direction and is hoping to have such a museum established in the next two to three years. This was in reply to a query from Dev pertaining to expenditure for museums.

Dev also queried whether provisions have been made for acquiring riot gear and equipment for the police, taking into consideration past experience and the likelihood of a recurrence. Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ronald Gajraj replied in the affirmative.

Responding to a request for clarification on miscellaneous expenditure on drainage and irrigation in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) by Dev, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta explained that funds allocated under miscellaneous expenditure for drainage and irrigation are to carry out continuous work which is necessary every year.

Nokta pointed out that funds allocated for land development in the Tabatinga/Culvert City community in Lethem are for clearing, surveying and demarcating lands for the further development of a housing scheme which was started last year.

Wrapping up the session was Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud who commended Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Frank Narain for his sterling and dedicated service to the people of Guyana, and more particularly Parliament.

Recalling his association with Narain since his days as a Parliamentarian in the Opposition, Persaud said he had always found him to be helpful.

He said the Clerk carried out his tasks in conformity with the rules and convention of the National Assembly. Mr. Narain is proceeding on retirement.

The minister also extended salutations to the Hindu and Christian communities and Guyanese on the observation of Phagwah and Easter which begin today.