Paul Chase, salesman: 'Government needs to create avenues for job employment. Unemployment is on the increase and youths are suffering as a consequence. Youths that have furthered their studies are having trouble finding jobs. I hope the budget makes some provision for this. They also need to repair the roads; some are in pressing need of repair. The power lines in the city are fire hazards; they are a disaster waiting to happen. Government needs to re-wire the town. And while they are at it they should clean up the city. We have a mayor in Georgetown and yet the place is breeding garbage.'

D. Subryan, pensioner: 'I have worked for several employers over the years and at the end of it all I was not eligible for NIS. The insurance scheme told me that I did not have enough contributions. Now I am receiving pension and the sum is poor. It makes me wonder whether government is really serious, pensioners cannot live on that. I hope the budget sets aside something for us, I would welcome any increase.'

Abenn Griffith, mechanic: 'Government needs to raise the (income tax) threshold and increase wages. The salaries people receive in this day and age are pitiful. One cannot even take it to the market and come home to manage a household throughout the month. I could use some more money in my pocket. I would then be able to do things I only talk of. Last year the budget was more talk than action. What I need to see is real changes. Changes that government will see through to fruition.'

P. Anderson, clerk: 'A reduction on the prices of goods on the market would be a relief. Goods are so expensive now you have to take your entire pay cheque when you go shopping. Maybe they could reduce the tax on importing goods so that consumers who are not earning much will be able to eat. Cooking gas has risen and I expect it to go up again soon. Govern-ment could also look at cutting back on Pay As You Earn taxes; that is another option. One way or the other people will survive.'

Joel Heywood, UG student: 'They should raise the threshold and provide that much needed salary increase for workers. Public servants especially teachers could benefit from that. The budget should look at improving the utility infrastructure in the country. Daily people are crying out about electricity and water problems. They should also put funds into the Guyana Police Force with the focus on training. I think such a provision is necessary whether or not it can be included in the budget.'

Cheryl Bacchus, self-employed: 'They could drop the prices of goods on the market. Things are expensive and every day the price of something goes up. The budget should also look at providing job opportunities for young people. The state of our society is a reflection of unemployment. The many youths that have turned to crime are seeing it as a hustle, a means of survival. It is sad and something should be done.'

James Veersammy, security personnel: 'The budget in my view should be planned with every Guyanese in mind. Provisions should be made for everyone not just one section of the people. I think everyone could use an increase in their salaries maybe by 30 per cent. Government should raise the threshold and allow people to live and not worry so much about where the next meal is coming from. It is really hard in some households.'

Janine Paul, UG student: 'Though the university is no longer under government they could put some funding into it. Improved lab facilities and more seats in some lecture halls would all be welcome by students. The budget should however make provisions for the working class. They need to will the people to go on and I suggest an increase in salary or cut back on tax, either way people will be happy.'

Oswald Williams, security, 'I hope to see better changes this year. There is not really much that I am expecting. All I am focused on is an increase in my salary. Govern-ment needs to raise the threshold. I feel that the time is now. It is too difficult to get by.'