I AM optimistic that this yearxs budget will see maximum benefits and growth in our economy from an average manxs perspective.

In this yearxs budget Ixm impressed with the investments placed on increasing our preparedness in managing the weather challenges that face us.

Our ability to monitor, understand and predict is crucial in dealing with flooding from excess rainfall that our drainage system was not designed for.

This year $247.7M is allocated to the Hydrometeological programme which will be used to install the Doppler Radar System and also to train Guyanese students in the area to effectively utilise the radar. This creates employment opportunities to the Guyanese population and will see particularly the younger populace more gainfully engaged.

Also, the national literacy programme will receive $251M in an effort to accelerate the effectiveness of this programme which targets primary schools, school leavers and the adult population.

Literacy is a vital and sensitive matter that needed to be addressed and Ixm glad to see the Government is placing resources into this area.

On this note the University of Guyana Campuses will receive substantial aid towards the improvement of the level of tertiary education offered at the institution. Dr Ashni Singh noted that this year the government will take necessary measures to improve the rate of repayment of student loans.

From my humble perspective the budget appears to be directed at ensuring our economy remains stable.
JUDY PEARSALL