FINAL TOUCHES: from left, Mr. Winston Jordan, Adviser in Budget, Dr. Ashni Singh, Director of Budget, and Finance Minister, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar in final checks on the 2003 National Budget to be presented to the National Assembly today. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)
FINANCE Minister, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar has said that this year's National Budget to be presented in Parliament today, "will ensure the continued provision of goods and services to all our people and create an environment for greater prosperity within Guyana."

He was tight-lipped about the actual contents of the budget, but told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that it will take into account the global and domestic perspectives, among many other factors.

He, however, gave the assurance that Guyanese can expect a budget that will seek to enhance economic growth, prosperity and security within the country, GINA said.

The 2002 National Budget, which amounted to $68.9 billion, was the largest ever in Guyana's history. It was presented under the theme `Promoting Economic Growth: Accelerating Social Gains'.

Because of ongoing repairs at Parliament Buildings, sittings of the National Assembly are being held at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The main Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) yesterday said it would not be taking part in the budget presentation and debate.

In a statement issued at its weekly news conference at its Congress Place headquarters, Sophia, Georgetown, the PNC/R said it "had hoped that with the impending constructive engagement between the major political parties and their Leaders, the reform of Parliament and other matters would have been so far advanced that the political rejuvenation would have made it possible for the PNC Reform to take part in the budget presentation and debate."

It said the issues which caused the PNC/R to leave the National Assembly have not yet been resolved.