Phillips wants greater transparency on economic programme

Dr. Peter Phillips, Opposition Spokesman on Finance, has expressed concern that, according to him, although the government appears to be following the general outline of  the Economic Reform Programme, it is less than transparent in its reporting to Parliament.   

He raised the issue during Tuesday's sitting of the Standing Finance Committee of  Parliament, examining the 2017-2018 Budget.

Dr. Phillips, a former finance minister, highlighted what he said was the government’s lack of details on developments surrounding the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He asserted that three promises by Finance Minister Audley Shaw to table the new Standby Agreement had not been kept.

Dr. Phillips said it was unacceptable for Members of Parliament to receive the information only when it is posted by the IMF on its website.                                                        

Auditor-General’s Report

Dr. Phillips also expressed dismay that the report of the Auditor General on the 2017/18 Budget was not made available to MPs.

He reiterated to the Speaker of the House of Representatives the importance of  having the report circulated before the meeting of  the Standing Finance Committee so the members are aware of  the assessment of  the Budget.