By Andrew Clunis
The Jamaican national Budget Debate is now over. We now look forward to the Sectoral Debates with presentations from individual ministers and opposition spokespersons.
I doubt many will disagree that Prime Minister Andrew Holness won the debate hands down. Following closely was his Finance Minister Fayval Williams.
Opposition spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson was a close third. Opposition Leader Mark Golding failed to have the impact many expected.
But the Budget Debate is not a leadership contest. It is is the platform where the government of the day outlines its plans for the new fiscal year and the opposition gets a chance to respond.
Mark Golding seemed to be in election mode not remembering that there was a contest that was lost by his team on September 3, last year.
He did well to increase the number of seats the Opposition hold in the parliament but that does not a government make.
Some say he is at a disadvantage having to speak before the Prime Minister but every Opposition Leader has had to cope with that.
Mr Golding needs to start thinking of himself as Prime Minister-in-waiting. What are his plans for Jamaica? Is he just limited to the plans he spoke of? Jamaica needs and demands more!
His presentation did not show an advancement plan for the country.
Mr Holness on the other hand outlined a raft of initiatives that will positively impact Jamaica for decades to come.
The redevelopment of Black River and infrastructure enhancements in Hanover, Montego Bay, St Thomas St Ann and Portland will go a far way to enhancing the country’s tourism product.
We can’t survive without tourism and the more we invest in that industry the better will be the outcome for all Jamaicans
The reduction in the murder rate coupled with these initiatives will spell good for the economy.
The creation of two new agencies FAST and NARRA should see project implementations surging at a greater rate and be able to deliver services to the Jamaican people.
If Mr Holness wants a fourth term in government he has to see these projects through. For so long Jamaica has lived on promises. Projects remain in the pipeline for decades and even though we know what needs to be done, the results have been slow in coming or not coming at all.
We have to break the backs of bureaucracy and the impediments that lead to natural growth. Sure we have to cope with external shocks like Hurricane Melissa but the people are determined to thrive, and we surely shall as long as government keeps a steady hand at the wheel.
It is no easy task for Mr Holness but he has to be reminded that he took control of a country that is not the easiest to govern and he has to give it his all.
The economy is performing well despite the external shocks and this is what we have to embrace and dwell on.
Mr Mark Golding is surely going to face a challenge from Damion Crawford in the months or years ahead. Another major rift in the PNP will not serve us well but the writing is on the wall.
The upcoming Local Government Elections will show who has true leadership mettle and one cannot write off the opposition. They performed creditably in the general elections but just couldn’t cross the line in front. They will be raring to go and Jamaica will have to decide the future it wants. Andrew Holness or Mark Golding? This Budget Debate laid it out for all to see…Where do you place your confidence?
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