THE MAIN speakers in the Budget Debate have now made their presentations. In general, many have commented on the improved presentations this year and even the alternative options that emerged during the Opposition's replies. Today, however, we look at some of the humorous sidebars that arose during the debate and make a few pertinent comments.
Several speakers made remarks that if probed deeper, could reveal an alternative spin on what they said. Let us take the Finance Minister, who commented that they discovered in their European loan foray "to our surprise that there was widespread confidence in our performance."
It could be suggesting that the reaction could be likened to a student who passes a test which he expected to fail. Similarly, Dr. Davies comment that "governments don't just exist to meet fiscal targets," will no doubt surprise many Jamaicans who have been burned by recent tax packages, especially the manufacturing sector. Audley Shaw's comment on the improved performance of parish councils when new faces were brought in, could also hold implications that we should end the parliamentary careers of longstanding members on both sides, since it seems to suggest that we need new vim, vigour and vitality on the benches.
Linked to this, the most humo-rous apt comment that emerged this year was in reference to last year's tax package, which Audley Shaw called the 'run with it' tax package. Mr. Shaw also made comments referring to "not even voodoo economics but mumbo-jumbo" (I am not certain if it refers to famed Bush Snr. criticism in the U.S. past elections, or if it is in reference to the Haitian influx). Let it not be said that Dr. Davies is not without humour himself, as he referred to a survey that showed no one read the long articles by his fellow colleague on the other side, in this newspaper, when he commented on economic matters.
SUGAR INTERESTS
Some sotto voce remarks were most amusing. There was the member referred to above calling out Grants Pen when the Finance Minister was identifying the MPs with major sugar interests in their constituencies, as to why the sugar industry cannot be written off.
There was the Government member who in reference to the statement that Jamaica will never renege on any of its debt obligations, blurted out "and don't issue bounced cheques either". Similarly, Dr. Davies' retort that "Now I understand why you can't leave," as Mr. Seaga explained that you must fix up your house before inviting anyone in, referring to the CSME.
There should be more humour used by our speakers to capture more interest, even it it's serious business they are discussing, although sometimes their attempts at humour fell short, like the Prime Minister's reference to reducing the "number of police officers who have to be sent to never-never land." Biblical quotes are recommended when all else fails and the PM's quotation of Jeremiah chap. 12, v. 5 & 6 made for a funny reply, in referring to the prophet of doom. All told, budget debates must be lively but witty and not too stretched out like this article. So before I lose my few readers I bid you adieu.
