| Forum cancels budget debate | | Print | |
| Monday, 04 April 2011 16:52 | |||
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The public will miss out on the chance to hear a debate on the upcoming budget because some members of the Consultative Forum backed out of a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 5. Chairwoman of the Consultative Forum, Lillian Misick, said in a statement April 4 that several members opted not to take part in the meeting, rendering the meeting "inquorate." His Excellency the Gov. Gordon Wetherell says the action is unfortunate, but he will have to move forward with the budget with or without the debate. "In the absence of tomorrow’s (April 5) Consultative Forum meeting, I have no choice but to take the necessary steps now to enact the budget." Members of the Consultative Forum were meant to hear from the Permanent Secretary for Finance on the various revenue and expenditure measures proposed in the 2011-12 draft budget. "It is regrettable that this move has been necessary and that the opportunity for public discussion has been missed by the Forum," Misick said. Misick pointed out that while some members said they were not adequately prepared, the group has already received two "extensive briefings" from the Ministry of Finance in closed sessions. Members were also presented with a summary of the budget at a March 28 meeting. "I have also pointed out to members that, given the current state of the country's financial affairs, there are revenue measures that must be addressed immediately for the government to meet its obligations and for us to achieve the milestones within the stated time frame to enable elections to take place in 2012. "I am therefore disappointed that the public will not have the opportunity to hear the Permanent Secretary Finance read the 2011-12 Budget statement to the forum or the ensuing debate as planned on 5 April," she added. The governor said the budget must go forward because there is no time to waste. The public debate on the budget in the forum has already been postponed once, he said, and any further delay in enactment of the budget would cost the government money in lost revenue, "money that we cannot afford to lose," he said. The Permanent Secretary for Finance is expected to publish the statement he would have given to the Forum for public consumption."I hope that this will enable the public to see for themselves the budget measures which are being introduced, the reasons for them and their impact," the governor said. Revenue proposals are expected include a 4-percent customs processing fee; an increase in a number of fees and charges; and sales taxes on water, financial services and insurance premiums. The 2011-12 expenditure measures also include a 10-percent reduction in the cost of the public service. Click here to read the governor's full statement Click here to read Lilian Misick's full statement
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