Government Presents Budget February 19

Come Thursday afternoon, February 19, Jamaicans will hear what the Government intends to spend for the Fiscal Year 2015/16.

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, will table the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue Measures in the House  of Representatives, which will provide details on what the Ministries and agencies will receive for Recurrent (house-keeping) and Capital (development) expenses.

Before the Minister tables the Estimates, the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament will take place, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, will deliver the Throne Speech, in which he will outline the Government’s priorities for the new fiscal year, which will begin on April 1.

The 2015/16 Budget Debate will begin on March 12 in the House, with the Finance Minister making his presentation. On March 17, Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Mr. Audley Shaw, will make his contribution.

The debate continues on March 19, with Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Andrew Holness, presenting.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, will make her presentation on March 24, while the debate will be closed by the Finance Minister on March 25.