⁠⁠Economist Hails Gov’t, Opposition Commitment to Fiscal Stability

Development economist, Dr. Christian Stokes, says he’s happy that both the government and the opposition have stated their commitment to fiscal stability.

He was reacting to the budget presentation by Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson, in Parliament on Thursday.

Speaking on Nationwide at Five, Dr. Stokes says while fiscal stability is important, the effects of this are not being felt on the ground by ordinary Jamaicans.

Dr. Stokes says it is clear, based on their budget presentations, that both Mr. Robinson and finance minister, Dr. Nigel Clarke, recognise the need for the country to maintain its macro-economic stability.

Meanwhile, Dr. Stokes says Julian Robinson’s budget presentation didn’t present any real alternative to those proposed by the JLP government.

Dr. Christian Stokes, development economist.

And, Chartered Accountant Dennis Chung, who was also speaking on Nationwide at Five, was asked if he was surprised that Mr. Robinson did not mention the issue of the increase in the income tax threshold during his budget presentation.

Mr. Chung says the government giving away money is not going to drive economic growth. He says increasing productivity is the key to real growth.

Dennis Chung, chartered accountant.