PM urges expenditure restraint

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding is urging cabinet ministers to exercise restraint when spending public funds during the current economic downturn.



In a letter written earlier this week, the prime minister told all ministers that they must provide leadership to the officers in their ministries in containing expenditure, downsizing or eliminating programmes and projects that, though desirable, are not essential at this time.



He has called for ministers to identify programmes and projects that will assist in weathering the economic storm and hastening the country’s recovery.



Among the instructions given is that there is to be no expenditure on official vehicles or official residences for government ministers in the coming financial year, except for essential maintenance.



He says ministers should also reduce expenses relating to overseas travel and entertainment.



Mr Golding says overseas travel should be undertaken only where it is vital to the Government’s strategic objectives and that the size of delegations must be kept to the essential minimum.



As part of this drive, the prime minister has put off replacing his official vehicle, though the national Contracts commission had already approved the purchase.