Opposition presses for fiscal commission report during budget review

The start of this morning’s sitting of the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament, which is examining the Government’s budget, was delayed after some Opposition members pressed for the report of the Independent Fiscal Commission, which reviewed the budget, to be presented.

The Gleaner today reported that Fiscal Commissioner Courtney Williams has raised questions about the credibility of aspects of the Government’s 2026–2027 Budget in his Economic and Fiscal Assessment Report (EFAR).

In his assessment, Williams said Jamaica’s fiscal policy remains broadly sustainable, supported by a resilient Fiscal Responsibility Framework and significant disaster-risk financing layers.

However, Williams argued that the fiscal outlook is uncertain, noting that the Government “needs to address multiple statutory and operational gaps to enable me to deem the Budget wholly credible”.

Discussing key findings of the EFAR, Williams said the budget process has improved, but some aspects are still non-compliant with the FAA Act.

While welcoming the historic tabling of revenue measures with other budget documents, including the Fiscal Policy Paper, the fiscal commissioner said major gaps remain.

A team from the Ministry of Finance, led by Portfolio Minister Fayval Williams, was first to appear before the committee.

Opposition members, including Phillip Paulwell and Julian Robinson, argued that the report of the Independent Fiscal Commission should be placed before the committee, as they believe the document and the options shared by the entity have a role to play in today’s proceedings.

Robinson asserted that the absence of the document undermines the purpose of the committee’s deliberations.

“If we are not able to see what the Independent Fiscal Commission has done, it defeats part of the purpose of us being here,” Robinson said.

He added that although the report may already be circulating publicly, parliamentary procedures require it to be formally presented.

“My understanding is that the commission would have sent the report to Parliament, if it wasn’t yesterday, it may have been Monday, and then Parliament should provide the report for members. Even though it may be in the public domain, it has to be brought here,” Robinson said.

Government member Marlene Malahoo Forte, speaking on the issue, acknowledged the concern but said the delay did not constitute a breach of the law.

“As soon as possible has not yet arisen in respect of the sitting. So while it is important that the report be tabled, and the point made by the member is a valid point, there is no breach of the law,” she stated.

“It is unfortunate that it has not been tabled and the work of the committee is commencing, but it’s important for us to know that there is no breach of the law.”

Committee chairman Heroy Clarke, who is also Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, later confirmed that the report was received by Parliament on March 3.

He noted that Parliament last sat in February, suggesting that there was no current sitting of the House to allow for the tabling of the report.

“How would it be tabled? Should we suspend the Standing Finance Committee to table it?” Government MP Robert Morgan asked, adding that an important document of that nature should be formally brought before the House.

Paulwell had earlier suggested that the document be shared once it was available.

Despite the concerns raised, the committee eventually got under way.

- Andre Williams

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