Minister Shaw to Present 2016/17 Budget on April 14

On Thursday, April 14, Jamaicans will hear how much the Government intends to spend for the fiscal year 2016/17.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, will table the Estimates of Expenditure in the House of Representatives, which will provide details on what the Ministries and Agencies will receive for Recurrent (housekeeping) and Capital (development) expenses.

This will be preceded by the ceremonial opening of Parliament in the morning, where Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, will deliver the Throne Speech.

He will outline the Government’s priorities for the new fiscal year, which began on April 1.

The Estimates of Expenditure will be reviewed by the Auditor General from April 14-28, and the Standing Finance Committee of the House will then meet from May 3-5 to consider the Budget.

The Finance Minister is scheduled to open the 2016/17 Budget Debate on May 12, where he will inform the nation how the Budget for the fiscal year will be funded.

On May 17, Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Dr. Peter Phillips, will make his contribution.

The debate will continue on May 19, with the Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, making her contribution.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, will make his presentation on May 24 and the debate is scheduled to be closed by the Finance Minister on May 25.