Finance Minister to Visit Washington

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, will continue formal discussions with critical stakeholders on the Government’s plans for macroeconomic stability, growth, and development, during his upcoming visit to Washington, D.C.

Dr. Phillips will head a delegation to the 2013 spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington, from April 19 to 22.

Other members of the delegation are: Governor of the Bank of Jamaica, Brian Wynter; Technical Advisor to the Minister, Helen McIntosh; and Deputy Financial Secretary, Darlene Morrison.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, and various portfolio Ministers will speak on the growth and development agenda when they contribute to the 2013/14 Budget Debate, Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, told journalists at the weekly Jamaica House press briefing, on Wednesday, April 17.

Dr. Phillips will open the 2013/14 Budget Debate on Thursday, April 18, followed by Opposition Spokesman, Audley Shaw, who will make his contribution on Tuesday, April 23.

On Wednesday, April 24, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, and Opposition Spokesman on Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, will make their presentations. Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness, will make his contribution on Thursday, April 25.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, will make her presentation on Tuesday, April 30, and Dr. Phillips will close the debate on May 1. The Sectoral Debate will follow.

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Reporter