"The road to development is not paved with gold; neither is it shorn of missteps. Many obstacles abound - some foreseen, others unforeseen or beyond our control", he said.

Reflecting the reality of the situation and the need for determination to press head, the budget is themed, `Confronting the Challenges: Staying on Course for a Prosperous Guyana'.

These are not easy times, especially for developing countries and moving forward demands tremendous efforts.

As Mr. Kowlessar noted in his budget speech, "none of us could have predicted the unsavoury events that unfolded in Guyana in 2002."

"The increase in criminal activities since February last year has claimed the lives of many persons, including twenty-three law enforcement officers, resulted in injuries to many others, and traumatised the citizenry.

"This development exacerbated the already difficult political situation. The physical and psychological damage that these events have inflicted on the psyche of the peace-loving people of this country would be felt long after normalcy has been restored", he noted.

It is in this context that there is special meaning in his appeal "to all those who cherish democracy, and the freedoms that flow from it, to lend an unequivocal voice against attempts to create instability, to make the country ungovernable, and to divide our people."

There is a need for goodwill from all sections of society, especially under prevailing circumstances, if the country is advance.

According to the Finance Minister, "notwithstanding the many difficulties encountered at the local and international levels, we (last year) redoubled our efforts to deliver increased social and economic benefits to the population.

"Growth continued to be positive; sugar production was the highest in 26 years; the exchange rate remained stable and international reserves exceeded the target; the physical and human infrastructure was expanded; more money was spent on health, education, pure water, and housing; and workers' incomes were increased."

"Shrewd management of the economy ensured that all of this was accomplished despite the diversion of resources to fight crime", he added.

We endorse the minister's appeal for "all of us (to) ponder on the following: if so much can be accomplished under such extreme circumstances, how much more could be achieved if the Government did not have to engage constantly in costly and avoidable distractions."

"Should we not see this as a clarion call for us to put our collective shoulders to the proverbial wheel in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment?

"I believe that we owe it to this and future generations to redirect and, in the words of our National Pledge, `dedicate our energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana'", he urged.