Tax and public-sector reform to come - GG
Published:Friday | April 15, 2011 | 12:00 AM
IN A matter of weeks, the Bruce Golding administration will reveal how it intends to implement key recommendations to transform the public sector.
The Government has also declared that it is ready to introduce the long-awaited reform of the country's tax system.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen yesterday told lawmakers that the administration would divulge proposals on the rationalisation of the public sector in the upcoming Budget Debate, which begins on April 28.
"It is now time for implementation and the details and timetable will be outlined in the Budget Debate," Sir Patrick said.
The governor general was delivering the Throne Speech in Gordon House yesterday where members of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament participated in the ceremonial opening of Parliament for the 2011-2012 legislative year.
Recommendations to transform the public sector have already been reviewed by Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee.
The Public Sector Transformation Unit, headed by Patricia Sinclair McCalla, had crafted proposals on how to transform the public sector following extensive consultation with various groups, including unions representing public-sector workers.
Cabinet had reviewed the recommendations last week and it is believed that several key proposals have been accepted.
On the matter of reforming the country's tax system, Sir Patrick signalled that the Government would introduce measures in the new fiscal year.
more efficient
For years, respective administrations have conducted studies on the reformation of Jamaica's tax system.
Tax reform is aimed at making the country's tax system more efficient, equitable and conducive to investment and growth.
Sir Patrick told legislators that the administration was moving to urgently address the rising cost of pensions for public-sector workers.
According to the governor general, pension costs for public servants had jumped by 82 per cent in the last four years.
He said studies with recommendations on how to manage the pension system in a sustainable way were almost complete.
The governor general said the administration would make decisions on pension reform this year.
"Existing pensioners and those public-sector workers approaching retirement can be assured that their entitlements will be preserved even as the reforms are introduced," Sir Patrick said.