Tuesday, May 05, 2009Jamaican PM Defends Budget

Oscar RamjeetJamaican PM To Defend $555.7 Billion Budget

amaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding will on Tuesday defend the JA$555.7 billion Budget presented in the National Assembly on April 23 by Finance Minister and Public Service Minister Audley Shaw.

The Budget, which is $9 billion more than last year, imposes an 8.75 percent gas tax that is being severely criticised by the Opposition.

Golding's presentation will bring to three the number of contributions that have been made by members of the government, which also included the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda and Shaw, the presenter.

Members of the Parliamentary Opposition have also made contributions to the debate. They include Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller; Opposition spokesperson on Finance, Dr Omar Davies; and Opposition spokesman on Agriculture Roger Clarke.

The Opposition leader’s main concern was how the government intends to raise the $18 billion in taxes and suggested that the regime consider nuclear power as a potential source of energy,

Opposition spokesman on Finance, Dr Davies, said that there should be more capital projects that will generate income for many Jamaicans and return hope to many faces in the country.

Shaw will close the Budget Debate on Wednesday.

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