Tax Relief Remains Primary Expectation For Budget Presentation

Tax relief remains the key expectation as the budget debate opens in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Members of both the Private and Public Sectors expect the government to make good on promises not to increase taxes.

Similarly they expect further tax reductions as a key deliverable when Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams, opens the debate.

Chevon Campbell tells us more.

On Tuesday Minister of Finance Fayval Williams, will give better particulars as to the government’s spending plans for the upcoming fiscal year.

The one-point-three trillion dollar budget was tabled in the House of Representatives last month.

Expectations are high among Jamaicans as this budget will take the government into the next General Elections, with polls suggesting a tight and competitive race.

President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Phillip Ramson, says the government must stay the course of tax relief.

This will not only drive economic development but also ease the burden on Jamaicans.

Supporting the call for further tax relief is President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, St. Patrice Ennis.

However, the JCTU President is also calling on the government to make its intentions clear as to its posture for upcoming wage negotiations.

This is in light of repeated calls from fiscal monitors to limit expenditure of public sector salaries.

Meanwhile, Chartered Accountant and Financial Commentator, Dennis Chung, says the government is already on the right path in terms of fiscal and economic indicators.

He’s calling on the Minister to commit to staying the course.

All eyes are now on Minister Williams as she delivers the government’s crucial pre-election budget as it seeks an unprecedented third term in office.