ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mr. Speaker, let me on rising to make yet another contribution to the Sectoral Debate in this Honourable House, pay homage to the great geometrician. He continues to fortify and inspire me as I serve my constituents, stakeholders in the portfolio I oversee, and indeed, the Jamaican people in general; be they at home or abroad. I take this...

The Government now has the authority to spend funds allotted in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure, following the passage of the Appropriation Act 2015 in the Senate on Friday, March 27. This annual Bill provides authority for expenditure (other than statutory expenditure) for the financial year 2015/16 and specifies the manner in which the money is to be allocated to...

The Government has established a new Labour Market Reform Commission to undertake work which will ensure that industrial relations practices facilitate higher levels of productivity, and are compatible with modern labour market engagements. This was disclosed by Finance and Planning  Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, as he opened the 2015/16 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, on March...

Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, says the process of public sector transformation and modernisation, being undertaken by the administration, aims to restructure state institutions’ operations and establish systems designed to enhance and make them function more efficiently, flexibly, responsively, and accountably. “Let me be clear, we do not share the view of those in the society who...

The Government is projected to spend $30.5 billion in 2015/16 to undertake work on roads and bridges, provide buses and housing solutions, upgrade schools, among other initiatives to benefit Jamaicans. Of the total, $3.3 billion will be spent for work on roadways and bridges, and to commence and complete phases five and six of the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP)....

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Jamaican people, noting that the increase in the 2015/16 Budget is to ensure that “all obligations we entered into will be fulfilled.” Dr. Phillips said the Government continues to acknowledge the sacrifices and commitments made by public and private sector stakeholders, at all levels,...

The pace of growth in the tourism sector is accelerating, with a healthy increase in visitor arrivals, running at over five per cent for the current winter season. This was announced by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, while opening the 2015/16 Budget Debate in the House on March 12. He said the growth is being...