J$774 Billion Budget Tabled Today … No New Taxes …

Tourism to get the lion share. National Security gets big increase.  This overhall budget is some 5 percent less than last fiscal year 2017/8.

INDECOM

This police watchdog body has seen its budget cut.  You will recall that INDECOM has been under fire.

GG Throne Speech

It was a lot of pomp and pageantry as the Parliament was officially opened today, Monday, February 15, 2018.  Crime is down in St. James. Ja. W.I.

Minister Montague

A total of 6000 new forces to be recruited. Police 3000 and the army 3000. There will be a merger of the Police Oversight Authority (POA) and The Police Services Commission (PSC).

PM & King’s House

These two departments will get cuts in their budgets. This is an interesting move and we have to take a wait and see approach.

This is how the government sees its plans going forword.  The economy is growing as we speak.

Opposition Leader

Reacting to the new budget, Dr. Peter Phillips had only doom and gloom.  The PNP leader was most critical of the government’s management of crime and justice.  In particular the appointment of Chief Justice Sykes in a permanent capacity.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.