Headlines:
| GG gives a glimpse of 2008/2009 Budget |
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| Thursday, 27 March 2008 | |
Governor
General Professor Kenneth Hall on Thursday morning gave Jamaicans a glimpse of the
budget for the 2008/2009 fiscal year.Sir Kenneth was giving his throne speech at the ceremonial opening of parliament on Thursday afternoon. In a wide ranging presentation, the Governor General outlined that the country is indeed facing several challenges. He said the new government came to office with an optimism that was tempered by the devastating effects of natural disasters as well as the soaring global prices of oil and other commodity prices. The looming recession in the United States also hinted at more bad news for the Jamaica economy. The Governor General said that energy security will be a very big priority for the government this year, with the government taking decisive steps to diversify energy sources and begin reducing the country's reliance on crude oil. Food security is another hot topic issue and the Governor General announced that food security can only be improved and achieved through efficiency and the application of new technology. Looking ahead to this fiscal year, he said the government will embark on technology driven food production supported by improved marketing arrangements to transform the agricultural and agro-processing sectors. The Governor General also touched on another hot button issue, that of affordable health care. To much bench-thumping on the government's side, stated that the government will push ahead with plans to abolish user fees at public hospital facilities on April 1. "The people must have access to affordable health care. The operating hours of selected health centres will be extended and steps will be taken to encourage greater use of these facilities for cases that do not require hospital attendance," he said. Professor Hall said measures have already been put in place to deal with the expected increase in patient flow. He also restated government's intention to root out corruption by pushing for the enacting of a bill to replace the existing corruption Prevention Act. This bill will make provision for the establishment of a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute those involved in corrupt practices. And in an announcement sure to be welcomed by human rights groups the Governor General said government will also be tough on those who abuse human rights. "This year parliament will be asked to enact the new Charter of Human Rights which has been long in gestation. It will require a two-thirds majority in each house of parliament and it is hoped that consensus will be found on this important measure to define and safeguard the rights of every Jamaican citizen," "Parliament will also be asked to enact legislation to establish an independent authority to investigate allegations of abuse by members of the security forces," he continued. |