Clarke Attempted to Strike Risk, Responsibility Balance With Budget – Duncan

Chairman of Economic Programme Oversight Committee, EPOC, Keith Duncan, says finance minister, Dr. Nigel Clarke, has attempted to strike a balance in delivering financial benefits to the Jamaican people while remaining fiscally responsible.

Mr. Duncan was reacting to Dr. Clarke’s opening presentation of the budget debate on Tuesday.

During his budget presentation, Dr. Clarke noted that the government would not be able to deliver large increases in the income tax threshold in one sitting.

Dr. Clarke says it would not be feasible to accommodate a net expenditure of large magnitudes this year as it would result in a breach of the Financial and Administration Audit Act.

But the finance minister noted that the government could deliver increases in the income tax threshold in phases.

Mr. Duncan says that decision is a step in the right direction.

Keith Duncan, chairman of Economic Programme Oversight Committee, EPOC. He was speaking on Nationwide This Morning.