AUDLEY SHAW, opposition spokesman on finance, on Wednesday blasted the Government for not speedily disbursing $1.65 billion in contingency funds provided in the current budget.
Speaking in the House of Representatives in the aftermath of the displacement of hundreds caused by Hurricane Dennis last week, Mr. Shaw said the Government has been tardy in its response to the hurricane's effects.
"The money is here," he emphasised, clutching a copy of the 2005/2006 Estimates of Expenditure. "We are calling for money to deal with the problem that faces us today."
Mr. Shaw further suggested that the Government immediately implement a $500 million emergency relief fund.
SCOLDED BY PM
In response to Mr. Shaw's comments, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who had earlier allowed Mr. Shaw to make his presentation before his, scolded the opposition spokesman for stating the obvious.
"I'm glad that I yielded to allow the opposition spokesman on finance to amuse us all with his theatrical presentation," the prime minister said. "And like Christopher Columbus he discovered in the budget an item to deal with contingencies."
Mr. Patterson echoed sentiments he made in Parliament on Tuesday, that damage assessment is still being done and will be discussed at Cabinet on Monday. He said funds will then be disbursed where needs arise.
In the meantime, he said ministries and departments are authorised to spend between $5 and $15 million for immediate response in the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis.
- O. A.
