PM says she remains committed to ‘balancing people’s lives’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller during her presentation to the 2014 Budget Debate on Tuesday said her Government remains committed to “balancing the books, while balancing people’s lives”.

Simpson Miller also reiterated Finance Minister Peter Phillip’s position of protecting the most vulnerable in society.

“No matter what anyone wants to say, I am the Prime Minister for all Jamaicans,” Simpson Miller told Parliament

She urged Jamaicans to be “strong and courageous” in an environment where citizens’ confidence is waning and many are asking “how much more can we sacrifice?”

“Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged” Simpson Miller said.

While admitting that no Government likes having to increase taxation, the prime minister said that “there is no quick fix” to the country’s economic problems adding that the Government is committed to staying the course with the macro-economic transformation.

“We took these serious and tough measures to secure the future of the country,” the prime minister said.

In its bid to balance the books while balancing people’s lives, the prime minister said her administration has lowered GCT and increased minimum wages, as well as instituted changes to the Student Loan Bureau mechanisms.

Anika Richards