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Budget 2018 to be presented in November – Granger
The Coalition Government is making all efforts to ensure that the 2018 budget is presented before the start of the new fiscal year.
This is according to President David Granger, who recently revealed that the next budget is scheduled to be presented in November.
The Head of State made this, among other comments, during the television programme, “The Public Interest.”
The President noted that in a few days’ time, the budget cycle will commence and various stakeholders will be invited to provide their input.
He noted that the stakeholders include the political opposition, unions, civil society and the private sector. The President emphasized that the budget will be informed by a consultative process. The President is hopeful that whatever objections some stakeholders may have, it is bought to the upcoming forum.
The Head of State also made the point that the government is one which consults its people; as such, if schools or scrap iron dealers want to make presentations, then they are free to do so.
In just over a year and half in office, the coalition government through Finance Minister Winston Jordan had unveiled budget 2017 to the nation.
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
President David Granger
While this, by itself, must be something of a record, Jordan had said that perhaps, of greater import is that the 2017 budget was the first, in four decades, to be presented before the start of the fiscal year.
Of interest, too, Jordan had pointed out the fact that apart from Budget 1976, which was presented on November 24, 1975 by former Minister of Finance, Mr. Frank Hope the 2017 budget was the earliest to be presented to the National Assembly, since the country gained Independence.
The economist had said that not only was this is a signal achievement, for which all should be justifiably proud, but it is also a testament to the Government’s stated resolve to return budgeting to its deserved place within the accountability and governance framework, so that it can best serve its critical functions of economic management; financial management; management of government; and effective implementation of government’s policies.
In recognition of the importance of timely budget presentation and passage to the delivery of government’s projects and programmes and, with due regard to public confidence and support which this will engender, the Finance Minister said that the Government is considering a fixed date for the delivery of future budgets.
While this has not been announced as yet, the Government seems to be keeping to its word to deliver early budgets. (KIANA WILBURG)
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