According to him, some aspects of the budget can be seen as the beginning of the private sector initiative, particularly in the areas of tourism and investment.

The popular Berbice businessman who said he is still perusing the estimates, in an initial comment, noted that the Government has been liberal in removing some taxation, but wondered where the administration will get the resources to facilitate this move.

He said one of the areas the Government can benefit from is to address the copyright law issue, which if it does not materalise, could result in the national coffers losing revenue and the country its credibility.

"The United States is looking at Guyana and how the copyright law is being dealt with," the ARCC head said, emphasising the income that can be accrued from a right decision.

However, Bhookmohan feels Cabinet should review the 10 per cent guest tax on hotels only that is not applicable to resorts.

"This does not create a level playing field and could have serious implications for the hotel industry," he argued, while suggesting that there should have been more consultations on incentives for investors.

He said he would have been happy too to see inclusion in the education programme of a proposal for a strong study on need assessment.

Bhookmohan said the idea will help determine the kind of skills required for the market over a period of several years.

The $68.9 billion budget, the largest ever in the country's history, was presented in the National Assembly on Friday by Finance Minister, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar.