Parliament ‘Pantomime’

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has poured cold water on Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke’s Budget presentation, asserting that it “missed the mark” in charting solutions for the “unprecedented crisis” facing the country.

Golding said Clarke, who opened the Budget Debate in Parliament on March 8, missed an opportunity to ease the anxiety of Jamaicans who are suffering from the shocks of the coronavirus pandemic and increased cost of living partly fuelled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“What they got was pure theatre. Parliament became a Pantomime. If the people wanted drama, they would go to Little Theatre or Centerstage,” said Golding on Tuesday while making his contribution to the Budget Debate in the Lower House.

“The people want real answers to the problems facing them. The minister of finance says we are doing well. That is a fantasy. Who are the we of which he is speaking?”

The opposition leader said only a few connected people are making money and living well, while many Jamaicans are “living from hand to mouth” and are unable to pay their bills.

“That is their reality,” he said, adding that the country’s reality demands that the Government cushion Jamaicans from external shocks.

He said nothing in the $912-billion Budget would give protection to the most vulnerable, adding that the unveiling of new currency notes was a distraction from the real issues “biting” Jamaicans.

In the same breath, Golding took issue with the proposed structure of the new banknotes unveiled last week, arguing that a bipartisan approach should have been taken to establish the new design.

Golding charged that the approach reflected a deeper issue of arrogant governance, as the proposed design involves powerful symbolism that affects deceased political leaders of the Opposition People’s National Party.

“No consultation. They just brought it here last Tuesday with a whole bag of hype. That is not how we build a better understanding. That is not how you promote togetherness. That is not how we work together. That is disrespect. And yes, we know the prime minister wants his mentor, Mr Seaga, on a banknote,” Golding said.

But Prime Minister Andrew Holness rose on a point of order, retorting that there was no consideration regarding the “well-known and close relationship” that he shared with late former Prime Minister Edward Seaga as an impetus for him to be added to the notes.

Holness said Seaga deserved his place on the new $2,000 bill, insisting that the Government does not make national decisions on a political basis. Michael Manley, Seaga’s political rival, is also on the $2,000 note.

The look and structure of the current notes will also be upgraded to feature all national heroes and deceased prime ministers.

The move coincides with Jamaica’s 60th year of independence, but Clarke said the current structure of the notes, which does not allow for durability, prompted the change.

He had also said technical studies have shown that there is need for the introduction of a currency denomination between the $1,000 and $5,000 notes.