State Opening of Parliament March 25
March 6, 2010The Full Story
The State Opening of Parliament will take place on Thursday, March 25, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
On that day, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Sir Patrick Allen will deliver the Throne Speech, in which he will outline the government’s programmes and policies for the 2010/11 Fiscal Year, which begins on April 1.
Later in the afternoon, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, will table the 2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure in the House of Representatives.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right), examines the Guard of Honour, mounted at the State Opening of Parliament, yesterday (March 25), at Gordon House.
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 March 30 to April 1.
On Thursday, April 8, the Finance Minister will open the 2010/11 Budget Debate, which will last until April 21. During the debate, selected members of the Government and the Opposition will make presentations.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen delivers the Throne Speech during the State Opening of Parliament, yesterday (March 25), at Gordon House.
Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, is expected to make his presentation on Tuesday, April 13, while presentations will be made by a Government Minister and an Opposition Spokesman on Wednesday, April 14.
On Thursday, April 15, Opposition Leader, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller is scheduled to make her contribution to the debate.
Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding is slated to make his presentation on Tuesday, April 20. The Finance Minister will close the debate on Wednesday, April 21.
After the Budget Debate is completed, other members of the House of Representatives will make their presentations in the Sectoral Debate, which follows.