The debate on the 2004 Budget concluded today, February 19, with Prime Minister Keith Mitchell recognising the "knowledge, experience and capability" of the eight elected Parliamentary Representatives of the New National Party to govern Grenada at this time. Assuring Speaker Lawrence Joseph that the "people's business" will be addressed in every respect, the Prime Minister said the Government side of the House of Representatives will "discharge their duties," with responsibility, unlike the seven Opposition members who walked out of Parliament during the conclusion of the debate, which began on Monday (February 16). Minister of Finance Anthony Boatswain presented the Budget Speech on Friday, February 13 under the theme "Promoting Economic and Social Development through People's Participation." The 2004 Estimates of Expenditure provide for a total expenditure of $595.9 million, with current expenditure accounting for $341.2 million, capital expenditure $179.7 and amortisation $75 million. In his Budget presentation on Friday, Minister Boatswain told the House that current revenue for 2004 is projected at $370.2 million, which is about 14.4 percent more than the current revenue collection in 2003. Tax revenue is estimated at $312.2 million, based on what the Minister referred to as "significant" improvements in the collection of the General Consumption Tax, Corporate Income Tax and Personal Income Tax, which applies to annual personal incomes of $60,000 and over. In supporting the Motion that the Estimates of Expenditure for the year 2004 be approved, Prime Minister Mitchell said the Budget debate has demonstrated that the parliamentary model of democracy in Grenada is "still the best system" and has shown two distinct philosophies for governance. The Prime Minister told the House that the Budget debate has shown the Opposition has a philosophy of socialistic tendencies of making citizens depend on the State, which cannot work and would lead to dependence and higher taxation. The Prime Minister explained the Government's philosophy is based on freedom of choice, which allows people to become more self-sufficient and independent of Government. He said it is the responsibility of Government to provide support for those who cannot help themselves and this is the area in which the Government and Opposition should be engaged to find ways to provide more assistance to the poor. The vote on the Motion, which was passed, was taken in the absence of the Opposition. SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER