Portia Reacts To JLP’s Shaw Budget … Calling it a “Taxperity Budget”

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller made her presentation to the 2016/17 budget debate in Gordon House, May 19, 2016.

Portia, in a parrot like fashion echoed the unfounded concerns of Former Finance Minister Dr. Peter Phillips who tried to cast doubt as to how the budget would be funded later in the fiscal year when the income tax benefits became due and payable. This was despite the J$14 billion in the form of a Revenue Package to fund same.

In a swift reaction to the Opposition Leader’s presentation, Marlon Morgan, Aide to Prime Minister Andrew Holness said “A lot of time was spent defending her legacy and the nation would have loved to hear more suggestions on moving the country forward. Jamaica must remember that two options were before them leading up to the February 25, 2015 General Elections. One was to continue with austerity or go the route of hope, prosperity and well being. They in their wisdom chose prosperity”.

The IMF played a crucial role in helping to draft the new tax reform package.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie was in parliament/Gordon House and filed this report with exclusive interview with Marlon Morgan outside the Parliament Building, Kingston, Jamaica W.I.