DEBATE STARTS ON MONDAY on what is the country’s most important economic policy process. The presentation and discussion of the Estimates Of Revenue And Expenditure for the financial year 2015-2016 must be aimed at delivering sustainable fiscal measures with the primary objective of ensuring economic growth.
It must not be just another annual ritual.
After a prolonged period of negative economic growth, downgrades by rating agencies and uncertainty among many in the private sector, the country is looking to parliamentarians to restore a feeling of hope for a better tomorrow. The Estimates should be a starting point.
There must be robust debate on the policies, vision and objectives of the Government as it seeks to provide better health care services, maintain education funding, and ensure that the protective services continue to be properly maintained and equipped.
It is evident tourism and civil aviation must be adequately supported as is the case with agriculture, given the vital link to good health and foreign exchange earnings.
It would show a level of political maturity if there can be bipartisan agreement on what heads of expenditure will be discussed over the five days of debate. This would avoid leaving important sectors out of the discussion, as has happened in the past. Omitting the extremely long introduction and equally long reply may be a good way to start the change. In an ideal situation actual debate on the Estimates would start on Tuesday.
Many Barbadians want to know what is being planned for important areas – from sanitation to poverty alleviation. It would be unfortunate if the debate ends and the public is still uninformed. The elderly, our children, the poor and the unemployed deserve better.
Barbadians want their elected representatives to ensure there has been effective formulation of these Estimates, followed by rigorous debate; and they want an assurance that Government will implement, monitor and control the Budget in such a way as to eliminate wastage and cut the need for unending supplementaries.
Most importantly, there must be effective oversight of whatever is approved at the
end of the week. This provides a key role for the Opposition, the Auditor General and civil society.
This is not the occasion for our politicians to be fixated on the next general election, without consideration for the next generation. What the public wants is robust but constructive debate given the severity and range of challenges facing the country. The focus is not only the way forward but how best to continue the journey.
Next week’s exercise has to be about much more than the governing Democratic Labour Party or the Opposition Barbados Labour Party. It is about the future of Barbados.
