KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The 2013/14 Budget Debate begins on Thursday, April 18 in the House of Representatives, with Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Peter Phillips, making his presentation.

Dr Phillips will inform the nation how the $520.88 billion budget for the fiscal year will be funded.

On April 4, the Minister tabled the 2013/14 Estimates of Expenditure in the House, which showed that $370.5 billion has been allocated for Recurrent (housekeeping) expenses and $150.38 billion for Capital (development) expenses.

The Standing Finance Committee of the House met and considered the Estimates from April 9-10.

The Budget Debate will last until Wednesday, May 1. During the debate, selected members of the Government and the Opposition will make presentations.

Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Audley Shaw, is expected to make his contribution to the Debate on Tuesday, April 23, while presentations will be made by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell and Opposition Spokesman on Tourism and Travel Service Development, Edmund Bartlett on Wednesday, April 24.

On Thursday, April 25, Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness, is scheduled to make his contribution to the Debate.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is slated to make her presentation on Tuesday, April 30, while the Finance Minister will close the Debate on Wednesday, May 1.

After the Budget Debate is completed, other members of the House of Representatives will make their presentations in the Sectoral Debate.