Finance Minister Eugene Cox will deliver his third Budget on Friday. Will the minister show caution as he lays out Government's spending plans for the coming year or does he feel that essential services need a cash boost? The Royal Gazette took to the streets of Hamilton yesterday to find out what taxpayers think Mr. Cox should do with their money.

If Government needs to cut spending, where would you suggest they make those cuts in the upcoming budget? Approximately 50 people were asked this question and while several could not respond, many admitted that they were not aware that the new Budget was being released on Friday.

Trust Manager, Marcus Mahy said: "Government transportation that is earmarked for Government's personal use.'' Mr. Mahy also said that the Government needed to rethink its policy on how much money was spent on overseas travel.

Carlos Lozada , who works in the restaurant business said: "They need less people in the House of Assembly.'' Surveyor, Phil Simpson had a simple quick response: "Fast ferries.'' Architect, David Evans had similar sentiments and said: "They need to sort out the infrastructure for the ferries before buying any new ferries.'' And Mr. Evans said that Government had not fully explored all available options and he did not think that front loading ferries and the work needed to build new docks was cost effective.

He said Government had "wasted money,'' building the new infrastructure, money which could have been used to buy the ferries themselves.

Several others who did not wish to be named or photographed echoed these comments, and many thought that the fast ferries were a drain on public coffers.

The second most popular topic was Government travel.

Marcus Mahy Carlos Lozada Phil Simpson David Evans