SALUTATIONS: Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most. Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller My Colleague Ministers of Government Representatives from international development agencies Members of the Diplomatic Corps Members of the local and international business community Our special invited investors Other specially invited guests Distinguished ladies and gentlemen;                                     Preamble: Allow me to add my own words of special welcome to this most...

Mr. Speaker, this marks the 29th consecutive occasion that I have had the opportunity to participate in the Budget presentation in this Honourable House. On this particular occasion, the challenges facing our country are unprecedented, given the current global economic downturn. I am confident, however, that working together we will be able to pull through these difficult times. Since last...