By Robert Hart, Parliamentary ReporterOPPOSITION SPOKESMAN on Finance Audley Shaw, last night painted a damning picture of the Government's handling of the economy while putting forward proposals for a host of expenditure increases in 'priority areas' of the 2004/2005 Budget.
Mr. Shaw launched a blistering attack on the Government, claiming that its ability to provide basic services to Jamaica's citizens had been short-changed as a result of the 'debt trap madness' that has led to 70 per cent of the $328 billion budget being earmarked for debt servicing.
The Opposition spokesman was making his marathon three-hour contribution to the 2004/2005 Budget debate at Gordon House.
But, noting that he was not present solely to criticise, Mr. Shaw suggested that the Government seek to creatively reduce the cost of and place limits on debt, as well as "address the critical social areas that are in the best interest of all Jamaicans."
He reiterated an earlier call for a $637 million increase in the budgetary allocation to the fire services $300 million for the payment of salaries and allowances and $337 million for repairs to stations and equipment. Mr. Shaw also said there was a need for a $170 million increase to the Parish Council Infrastructure Development Programme (PIDP) to complete existing projects on the ground.
The Opposition spokesman noted that during the sitting of the Standing Finance Committee two weeks ago, Local Govern-ment Minister Portia Simpson Miller had indicated that the PIDP needed $170 million to complete those projects, but had only received a $60 million allocation compared to $242 million last year.
SUGGESTED INCREASE FOR EDUCATION
Mr. Shaw also suggested a $2.6 billion allocation increase to education, which would bring that sector closer to 10 per cent of the total budget and in accordance with last year's joint agreement between the Government and Opposition. He also called for a $600 million increase to National Security, $200 million each to agriculture and industry and tourism. His proposal also included a dedicated bauxite fund of $500 million to assist with infrastructure and economic activities in mined out communities.
In financing the increases, Mr. Shaw suggested that the public sector consultants bill be cut by at least $100 million, the average interest rate for 2004/2005 be slashed by a further one per cent on its debt (saving $4 billion), and Government assets should be divested to yield an additional $1 billion.
