MR. AUDLEY SHAW, Opposition spokesman on finance, in his contribution to the 2006 Budget Debate, went a far way to meeting the challenge thrown out by Dr. Omar Davies in his presentation that the level of the debate be lifted, both in terms of political rhetoric and by advancing alternative solutions to the problems facing the nation. In his somewhat lengthy presentation, Mr. Shaw displayed an increasing expertise in framing economic issues and defining what policy differences separate the PNP from the JLP in socio-economic matters. This reflected a new and rejuvenated thinking which will help considerably in presenting clear choices to the electorate if any early election is called.
Far from the usual tearing down of what is proposed by the Finance Minister, Mr. Shaw agreed that at this time fixing the exchange rate would not fix Jamaica's problems, thus endorsing the official position in this matter espoused by Dr. Davies. This is a large step towards continuity should there be a change of government.
Mr. Shaw also wants funds from the PetroCaribe agreement to be used to pay down on the national debt as quickly as possible and not for populist programmes to effect some immediate amelioration of poverty. He sees 'Crash Programmes', by whatever names they are advocated, as only postponing the day of reckoning. He believes that using the PetroCaribe money to reduce the national debt more vigorously and speedily, coupled with incentives to the private sector to provide meaningful employment opportunities, provides a more lasting solution for our social ills.
Mr. Shaw's presentation of the JLP's position called for considerable courage because, in essence, he is calling for policies that put the nation's interests above the interests of political parties, including his own. What he seems to be saying is that if the new Prime Minister announces easy populist programmes next Tuesday, this may gain the PNP another term in office. By opposing such populist programmes in the interest of the nation's economic survival, the JLP may lose the next election. It is for the people to decide and Mr. Shaw has candidly and with a new sense of maturity set out the choices for them.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
