Prime Minister to Speak on Budget in National Broadcast April 5

Prime Minister Bruce Golding will deliver a National Broadcast on Sunday, April 5, on both radio and television. In his presentation, the Prime Minister will address matters relating to the 2009/10 Budget, particularly what Jamaicans can expect, especially in the current global financial meltdown.
Mr. Golding’s address will be aired on Television Jamaica (TVJ), at 9:00 p.m.; CVM-TV at 9:00 p.m., and Love TV at 8:00 p.m. It will also be broadcast on RJR at 8:00 p.m.; Power 106 at 8:00 p.m., Irie FM at 8:00 p.m., Hot 102 at 8:00 p.m., and Love FM at 9:30 p.m.
Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, will table the 2009/10 Estimates of Expenditure in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 7, after the State Opening of Parliament, in which the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Dr. Patrick Allen will outline the Government’s programmes and policies for the new financial year.
The Estimates will provide details on how the programmes will be funded and what the various Ministries and agencies will receive for Recurrent (House-keeping) and Capital (Development) expenses.
The Standing Finance Committee of the House will meet to consider the Estimates from April 14 to 16. On Thursday, April 23, the Finance Minister will open the 2009/10 Budget Debate, which will last until May 6. During the Debate, selected members of the Government and the Opposition will make presentations.
Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, is expected to make his presentation on Tuesday, April 28, while presentations will be made by a Government Minister and an Opposition Spokesman on Wednesday, April 29.
On Thursday, April 30, Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller, is scheduled to make her contribution to the debate.
The Prime Minister is slated to make his presentation on Tuesday, May 5, while the Finance Minister will close the Debate on Wednesday, May
After the completion of the Budget Debate, other members of the House of Representatives will make their presentations in the Sectoral Debate, which follows.