Persaud made the remarks during Wednesday’s budget debate at the Convention Centre of the Ocean View International Hotel.

According to the Minister, while the main Opposition party is not engaging at the parliamentary level, there are other positive signs of engagement that will bring them closer to positions where differences could be ironed out and solutions reached for the future of the nation.

Persaud referred to the 1990 budget debate sessions during which PNC Finance Minister Carl Greenidge had confessed that infrastructure of the country had collapsed.

“We took this country from that state of collapse, virtual disaster and moved it forward. You can look at any corner of this country today and you will find a clear testimony and visible and conspicuous evidence of expansion and development,” the Minister boldly asserted.

He noted that the Government is functioning under difficult times. “Not withstanding the impediments, the hurdles, the threats of varying kinds, we stood our ground, and we have brought the ship this far. I have no doubt that we can take it across to the right shore where all the people will find comfort, happiness and prosperity in the land of their birth,” he said.

He appealed to all citizens to resolve to move forward in the spirit of togetherness so that Guyana could be taken out of difficult times into a prosperous environment.

The Minister said that the Government still looks forward to the future with confidence, and with the hope that 2003 will be a better year.

Persaud also pointed out that the Government of Guyana has been instrumental in ensuring the involvement of the people at all levels.