Remarks by Sen. Sandrea Falconer at Jamaica House Briefing

Cabinet met on Thursday afternoon, Friday, and for half a day on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Presentations were made by the Financial Secretary, Dr. Wesley Hughes; The Bank of Jamaica Governor, Mr. Brian Wynter; Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson and the Public Sector Transformation Unit.

The major issues discussed were the state of the country’s economy, the social challenges and how to address these challenges within the limited fiscal space.

The Financial Secretary updated the Cabinet on the status of the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement and the prospects for a new agreement.

Members looked at the priorities for the remainder of this financial year, the spending priorities and programmes for the next financial year, 2012/2013.  Special focus was placed on growth strategies and job creation projects including JEEP.

As I indicated at last week’s briefing, we expect the announcement of JEEP to be done in Parliament before the end of this month.

To that end, two ministerial committees were set up.  The first will look at how organisations such as NHT can contribute to employment, economic growth and meeting housing needs. This committee is required to report to Cabinet within the next two (2) weeks.

The second Committee will identify projects which are ready or close to being ready for implementation by both the private sector and government but are awaiting some action by government concerning environmental permits, incentives, or other issues.

This committee will report to Cabinet in four (4) weeks.

Cabinet also authorized the establishment of a National Poverty Reduction Unit which will be located in the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

Ministers were tasked with looking within their respective portfolio Ministries for pieces of legislation that can be enacted which can make a difference to and improve the lives of the people.

The importance of honest dialogue with the people about the state of the country and the resources with which we have to operate was emphasized.

Cabinet also discussed the importance of leading by example, the need for consultation with stakeholders, efficiency and better service delivery.

Preparations for the second supplemental for the current fiscal year are well advanced and the Cabinet will again go into retreat in the coming weeks to craft the budget for the 2012/2013 financial year.