EDITORIAL - Mr Golding's barrel of pork
Politicians like nothing better than to wallow in pork, to feel its fat dripping through their fingers and the power of doling out dollops of rind to people. For all his protestations, Bruce Golding, the prime minister of Jamaica, is no exception.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS - Budget built on sand?
The Jamaica Labour Party has presented its first budget. The Budget proposes a total expenditure of J$497 billion. In real terms, this represents an increase of five per cent over last year. Last year, the Jamaican economy grew by 1.5 per cent, if as much. So, we grow by 1.5 per cent but we increase government expenditure by five per cent. Welcome to Jamaica! One Love! (Robotham)
Financing with magic wands
On Tuesday, April 1 (All Fools' Day), all user fees will be abolished in government health facilities, except the University Hospital of the West Indies, which is a regional institution not directly controlled by the Government of Jamaica. (Henry)
Gangsta for life?
Entertainer Mavado entered the Government's free hotel on March 26. On the day of the ceremonial opening of Parliament when embattled member for North East St Elizabeth, Kern Spencer, was declared as being free to take his seat, the DJ was playing a ring game: "Room for rent apply within, when I run out, you run in." (Taylor)
The productivity question
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in declaring India's 'Year of Productivity', in 1982, challenged her people: "We must get more out of every acre under the plough, out of every spindle and machine, out of every technologist and worker, out of every rupee spent." (Bingham)
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