PRIME MINISTER Bruce Golding will today move to fend off widespread criticisms about his administration's tough $18-billion tax package. At the same time, he is expected to roll out new initiatives to boost ailing sectors and widen the social safety net during his contribution to the 2009-10 Budget Debate.

Golding will respond to increased calls from sector leaders and the Opposition to reverse tax measures on computers and books.

Last week, a seemingly peeved Golding sat in the House and heard the Opposition knock his administration for its decision to impose the tax.

Flayed for fuel tax

The administration was also flayed for its decision to increase the special consumption tax on petroleum and its failure to introduce measures to position sectors to survive the global financial crisis.

The prime minister had already indicated that a rollback of the 16.5 per cent tax on books and computers is unlikely, despite claims by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller that the new tax measures represent "access denied, progress delayed".

Government officials had also scoffed at claims that the administration had not provided assistance to the ailing sectors and Golding is expected to announce a major programme to provide financial assistance to the micro and small business sectors.

When Golding rises to make his second contribution to the Budget Debate as prime minister, the burden of inadequate housing solutions for Jamaicans will also rest on his shoulders. As the person with portfolio responsibility for the National Housing Trust (NHT), Golding will be required to outline a plan for easing the housing shortage and to streamline measures to address the nearly one million Jamaicans living in informal settlements.

One year after Golding announced increased interest rates to NHT mortgagors during his maiden Budget presentation, the Opposition continues to describe the move as a bad policy decision by the Government.

In her contribution last week, Simpson Miller said a recent survey by the NHT showed that 80 per cent of contributors to the trust could not afford the $3.5-million mortgage, even when the salaries of two family members were combined.

The NHT's mandate is to provide affordable housing for Jamaicans at relatively low cost.

Debate closed tomorrow

Following Golding's presentation today, Finance Minister Audley Shaw is slated to close the Budget Debate tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the police have denied a request from a group calling itself Campaign for Social and Economic Justice to stage a march today from National Heroes Park to Gordon House in Kingston.

The organiser of Campaign For Social and Economic Justice, Lloyd D'Aguilar, says the group wanted to register its objection to the Government's oppressive tax measures.

He said Jamaicans could not manage any more burdens.

In a release yesterday, the Police High Command said the group had been advised that it could carry out a peaceful demonstration. However, the police refused to sanction a march.