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...

Mr. Speaker, the Sectoral Debate 2014/2015 has come to an end and the many hours of thoughtful and insightful presentations from members of both sides of this Honourable House will serve us well going forward. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, although this is not unique to this year’s debate, the common thread that runs through this year’s presentations appears stronger. This augers...

Mr. Speaker, my contribution to this Sectoral Debate seeks to inform this Honourable House of the significant gains that have been made in the Public Sector during the 2013-2014 fiscal year, as well as the remaining challenges going forward into 2014-2015. My presentation will focus on the Government’s efforts to meet its commitments to modernise the public sector, which itself...

Mr. Speaker, in rising to close this debate, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of all the participants. The Most Honourable Prime Minister yesterday set out with clarity the record of this administration in mobilising the national community around the Economic Reform Programme (ERP), which is on track and has already returned the Jamaican economy to growth. Simultaneously, she...

Greetings and Salutations Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, distinguished Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora… It is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude that I rise to address the Parliament in this important Budget Debate. I give thanks to the Almighty God for His favour on Jamaica, and for His guiding...

Acknowledgements Mr. Speaker, on rising I must give thanks to God for sparing us as a nation, and as a Parliament, that we can all gather here once again to discuss the people’s business and recommit ourselves as instruments of His will. Mr. Speaker, you will understand if I thank the delegates, Parliamentary colleagues, Party members, workers, and well-wishers for...

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that I express my appreciation to the leader of the Opposition Hon. Andrew Holness and to my colleagues on this side for this privilege. It is of note that this is my 21st year in parliament – always by election, never by appointment. To my constituents who have kept the faith with me through good...