KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cabinet yesterday commenced a three-day retreat, led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to discuss the budget for 2019/20.

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a statement yesterday said this follows three days of “intense consultations” last week on the country’s performance over the past year.

During last week’s sessions, Cabinet ministers focused on issues of national interest and heard presentations from key agencies such as the National Water Commission, the National Works Agency and the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment Programme (HOPE).

Ministers also made presentations on the operation of their ministries and matters that require immediate action from the Government, OPM said.

Additionally, reports were given on the direction of the various ministries. Cabinet members also identified areas that require greater collaboration to maximize performance and service delivery.

The consultations are being held as the Parliamentary year comes to a close.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Cabinet will continue to review the country’s economic performance over the past year and will look to finalise the economic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.