KINGSTON, Jamaica — In her contribution to the 2017/18 budget debate, Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller slammed the governing body, not only for the taxes being proposed, but also for what she describes as a “breach of good governance”.

“The $600-million de-bushing programme, which became the $800-million bushing programme just before the local government elections, which only included Jamaica Labour Party operatives was a breach of good governance and protocol established by the prime minister’s committee,” Simpson Miller argued.

She further explained good governance as that which dictates that the people should be able to trust the words of their leaders of all times.

The “slush fund”, as Simpson Miller labelled the $800-million de-bushing work, could have been used to create the relief Cornwall Regional Hospital urgently needs, gone into crime fighting and safety within community and job initiatives for at risk youths, she reasoned.

“It is entirely appropriate that this is being investigated by the Contractor General, which we anticipate,” Simpson Miller stated.

Meanwhile, she extended an olive branch to the Government, beckoning a partnership forward for the betterment of Jamaica.

“To sustain economic growth and development is a journey we must take together,” Simpson-Miller urged, quoting the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

Moya Hinds