Bruce Golding makes first Budget speech as prime minister. - File

MEGA INVESTMENTS to spur "jobs and more jobs", crime and violence, food security issues and an update on far-reaching legislation are expected to be among the areas of focus for Bruce Golding today when he makes his debut Budget Debate presentation as prime minister.

Audley Shaw, minister of finance and the public service, in his post-Budget press conference at the finance ministry on April 11, said Golding would outline the investment plans to support the three per cent growth targeted for the fiscal year.

"It is private investment that is going to be the driver of economic growth and we are committed to doing everything in our power not just to promote investment, but to facilitate it," Shaw had said.

Golding comes to the wicket at a time when the country's murder rate continues to present the greatest challenge to law enforcers. Since the beginning of the year, well over 400 persons have died violently, an increase from the murder figure for the similar period last year.

The prime minister is expected to comment on this increasingly worrying problem that has left many Jamaicans gripped with fear and uncertainty about their safety.

Legislation update

It is believed that Golding will also provide an update on several pieces of legislation, including the special prosecutor to fight corruption in the public and private sectors and an independent authority to investigate police killings.

The National Housing Trust (NHT) was asked to present proposals to Cabinet on measures the trust could implement in the new financial year to make the entity more viable. Golding, who has portfolio responsibility for the trust, will speak to policy issues related to the NHT.