FINANCE Minister Audley Shaw will this afternoon table the 2008/2009 Estimates of Expenditure (budget) in the House of Representative.

It will be the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) first budget since taking office last September, as well as the first by a JLP Government since 1988, the year before the then Edward Seaga Government was voted out of office by the 'new look' Michael Manley regime in February 1989. The PNP held on to power until last September.

Sources told the Observer that this year's budget will prioritise spending on education, agriculture, increased job opportunities, health and national security, as well as finance a new social intervention programme aimed at widening the social net to protect the most vulnerable to escalating food prices.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding said last week that the government had built into the budget a firm determination to reduce the fiscal deficit, as deficits fuel inflation, erode confidence and drive up interest rates.

The previous People's National Party Government had targeted a 4.5 per cent deficit for 2007/2008 but, after being elected last year, the current administration relaxed it to 5.5 per cent to accommodate spiralling oil and food prices, as well as the post Hurricane Dean relief effort.

Golding, in a speech to the nation last week, said that within the tight fiscal constraints, the government would protect priorities that are critical to moving the country forward, while providing a helping hand for those most in need, opportunities for those determined to get ahead and space for growth.

Finance Minister Audley Shaw will tell the nation on April 10 how the budget will be financed.
Prior to the sitting of the House of Representatives, the Senate will today accommodate the State Opening of Parliament at 11:00 am, at which time Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller, will lead their teams into Gordon House from the north and the south ends of Duke Street, respectively.
Highlights of the morning sitting will be the Throne Speech by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, which will outline the government's policies for 2008/2009.
Temporary traffic arrangements for the duration of official opening were announced by the police, yesterday.
They include the closure of the following streets: Duke Street, between East Queen Street and South Heroes Circle; Charles Street, between East Street and Church Street; and Sutton Street, between East Street and Church Street.

Beeston Street will be converted to one-way east to west between East Street and Mark Lane and west to east from Church Street to Mark Lane.

Mark Lane will be one-way, south to north, between Beeston Street and Charles Street.

No parking zones will be introduced at South Heroes Circle, Duke Street, Beeston Street, John's Lane, Mark Lane, Charles Street, East Street, East Queen Street and Georges Lane. Only vehicles with Gordon House stickers can access these areas.

THE BUDGET SCHEDULE

. Audley Shaw, minister of finance, opens debate on April 10
. Omar Davies, opposition spokesman on finance - April 15
. Government ministers and opposition spokesman - April 16
. Portia Simpson Miller, the opposition leader - April 17
. Bruce Golding, prime minister - April 22
. Finance Minister Audley Shaw closes debate on April 23.

Excellent 'Iron Man' soars high

Bramma's Value of a Lady creating waves

Orville Hall: Stepping Up and Away