He last week told a news conference that Cabinet at its two-day session on Wednesday and Thursday reassured that the priority on crime fighting during last year will be continued this year, and will be detailed in the upcoming budget.

"In essence security and security considerations and the priority and the commitment given to it in 2002 flows into 2003 and would be recognised by the allocations to be made in the 2003 budget," Luncheon assured.

He also noted that the capture and subsequent prosecution of criminals continue to be the prime commitment of the law enforcement agencies, while the subject is persistently engaging the attention of the administration.

"Immediate attention was paid to the demands for the capture and bringing to justice of armed criminals who operate primarily in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica)," he said.

On the training of the special anti-crime unit (SWAT) of the Guyana Police Force, by members of the British Police Force, Luncheon said this has been delayed due to the acquiring of the type of weapons requested by the British Police.

He explained that the weapons are being procured outside Europe because of the restrictions pertaining to arms exports to Third World countries in relation to human rights issues and other requirements.

On the issue of the appointment of Mr. Winston Felix as Commissioner of Police, he rejected the main Opposition People's National Congress Reform's contention that Felix could be appointed without their involvement.