Each year, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies are required to submit their budgets for the new Financial Year, which must be in harmony with the overall objectives of the Government.

After the figures are tallied by the Ministry of Finance into what is termed the Heads of Estimates, under the direction of the Financial Secretary, the Minister of Finance tables the overall Estimates of Expenditure for approval by the House of Representatives.

The Estimates are divided into two sections - recurrent and capital. The recurrent or housekeeping account represents the cost of maintaining the permanent administrative structure of government, while the capital account is the cost of maintaining the national infrastructure, and implementing projects that enhance the country’s ability to pursue growth and development, in accordance with the government’s development policies and priorities.

On March 31, the Governor General presented the Throne Speech at 11:00 a.m., which was followed by the tabling of the Estimates of Expenditure at 3:00 p.m. by the Minister of Finance, The Hon. Dr. Omar Davies.

After the formal ceremony ended and the Governor-General departed, the House of Representatives met for a short time.

After the Estimates were tabled in the afternoon, they were referred to the Standing Finance Committee for consideration. The Committee will sit from April 6 to 8.

Following the meetings of the Standing Finance Committee, a report will be prepared and tabled in the full House. The Budget Debate will be opened on April 15, by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Omar Davies, who will ask for the adoption of the report.

Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Audley Shaw, makes his presentation on Tuesday, April 20, while Leader of the Opposition, Edward Seaga, makes his presentation on April 22.

The following week, on Tuesday, April 27, Prime Minister P. J. Patterson will make his presentation. Dr. Davies closes the debate the following day, Wednesday, April 28.

At the close of the budget debate, the Appropriations Bill is passed. The Bill outlines details of what has been approved from the Consolidated Fund to carry out the business of the Government for the financial year. The Bill then goes to the Senate for approval, then to the Attorney General for final checks before the Governor General signs off on it.

Because it is a money Bill, it cannot be debated by the Senate, as they are not elected members. That is why the Minister of Finance must be an elected Member of the House of Representatives.