The reading of the budget speech, it must be recalled, was not without incident. For the first time in the history of budget speeches, the reading of the budget was forced into adjournment because of the behaviour of certain members of the Opposition who stormed into the hallowed halls. The actions of the mob elements later attracted scathing condemnation from the Speaker of the National Assembly and from the Government side.

These criticisms were justified. It was the first time in living memory that any member had taken pickets into Parliament, a travesty that was in total contravention of parliamentary tradition. The theatrics of years past paled in comparison to the conduct of those involved in this disgraceful episode in our country's history.

We join in the whole-hearted condemnation of this desecration of the highest institution of the land.

If the Opposition PNCR was serious about making Parliament meaningful it would not have allowed some of its members to invade and disrupt the proceedings.

The ugly scenes outside of the Ocean View Convention Centre on March 28 were a stark reminder to the nation and the international community that within our midst are persons who are willing to subvert the very democratic institutions and norms for which our people have laboured.

The absence from Parliament of the PNCR has undoubtedly taken away from the debates, but the other Opposition members present acquitted themselves creditably and ensured that the debates were not reduced to a mere formality.

The exchanges were robust and the members of ROAR and the WPA/GAP have exhibited a readiness to challenge the economic policies of the administration.

The debate on the statements of income and expenditure is an important event in the life of any nation. These debates provide an opportunity for both the Government and the Opposition to present their views to the people.

The reading of the Budget speech can only outline the general areas, policies and programmes which will be pursued in the year. The debates offer the opportunity for the ministers to explain and justify in a comprehensive manner these policies and programmes. The debates also allow for the performance of each sector of the economy to be reviewed.

The Opposition too is given the opportunity in these debates to challenge both the Government's performance as well as the proposed plans for the year. The debates are often used by the Opposition to reveal to the wider public their alternatives to the Government's plans.

The debates on the national budget therefore should be treated seriously and we believe that despite the absence of the main opposition PNCR, some very useful ideas and suggestions emanated from both sides. This would no doubt leave the public more informed and edified about the many points raised during the sessions.

The debates in the Parliament also stimulate reaction outside of the National Assembly and here one can note the recent comments of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, criticising the tax polices of the Government.