Jamaica: 2012/2013 budget set for May 24

The Portia Simpson-Miller administration is to present its spending plan for the 2012/2013 fiscal year to the country.

The minister with responsibility for Information Sandrea Falconer announced today that the Estimates of Expenditure is to be laid before the House of Representatives on May 10 when the new Parliamentary session is scheduled to begin.

Falconer was speaking at Wednesday’s Jamaica House Media briefing following a two day retreat of cabinet ministers. While she declined to provide specific details about the deliberations of the cabinet talks, she disclosed that Finance Minister Dr. Peter Phillips is scheduled to open the budget debate on May 24.

The cabinet is to receive the Estimates of Expenditure for approval before the document is presented at the official opening of Parliament. Ms. Falconer further stated that cabinet ministers considered the medium term economic programme of the country and the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Turning to development initiatives of the four month old administration, the Information Minister said a range of projects in the tourism, information technology and agriculture sectors was also considered. In addition, the cabinet received a report on the progress of discussions with public sector unions.