Mr. Speaker, let me begin the closing presentation for the 2015/2016 Budget Debate by again thanking the staff of all of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies across Government and, in particular, the Financial Secretary and the other members of the team at the Ministry of Finance and Planning; the Governor and staff of the Bank of Jamaica; the Director General...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, has acknowledged the partnerships forged between Jamaica and various bilateral and multilateral institutions, which continue to redound to the country’s benefit. Making her 2015/16 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on March 24, Mrs. Simpson Miller noted that Jamaica’s strong international partnerships are facilitating trade, investments, and “people to people”...

Mr. Speaker,   I thank my Maker and Master for His direction and guidance along this journey.   As I stand in this House today, I can truly say the words of the Psalmist, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song...

Mr. Speaker, members of this Honourable House, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, visitors in the gallery - (and let me specially recognise students from my alma mater St. Catherine High School); my fellow Jamaicans listening and watching on TV, radio, and the internet, I must give thanks to God for sparing us as a nation and as a Parliament, that...

This year the Budget Debate discussions can be safely described as ground-breaking. For the first time we have carried out the functions within the context of the recently updated fiscal governance framework. The enhanced framework, established through amendments to the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act and the Public Bodies Management and Accountability (PBMA) Act and Regulations in March 2014...

Honourable Members: Our meeting today is historic. It marks the earliest start to our new parliamentary year and the presentation of the annual Budget.  It is taking place well before the start of the new Financial Year in April. For the first time, the tabling of the Estimates of Expenditure will be accompanied by the Revenue Measures for the Budget. This...