PM urged to talk about economy in budget presentation

The spotlight will be on Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller Tuesday afternoon as she makes her budget presentation in Parliament. It will be Mrs. Simpson Miller's second presentation as Prime Minister since the People's National Party was returned to office more than a year ago.

The Opposition has urged the Prime Minister to focus on providing Jamaicans with clarity, especially given the tough economic times. Dr. Christopher Tufton, a deputy leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, has called for Mrs. Simpson Miller to use the opportunity to speak frankly about the economy and the Government's plans for the country. He said this was necessary, especially since an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement is about to be signed.

Shalman Scott, political commentator, said the country should not anticipate that the Prime Minister will come to Parliament with any major announcement of benefits or incentives.  Mr. Scott has predicted that, with the country in austerity mode, Mrs. Simpson Miller's address will focus on the economic strategies agreed on with the IMF.

“And... it’s going to take some time and one of the realities that we have to face is the short and medium-term arrangements that have been agreed with the IMF; and so we should not be expecting anything too wondrous from the Prime Minister’s presentation,” said Mr. Scott.