Williams to open budget debate this afternoon

Finance Minister Fayval Williams, will open the budget debate, this afternoon.

The government has presented a budget of $1.4 trillion, for the 2026/27 fiscal year, which begins April 1.

$99.7 billion dollars has been allocated to capital projects, while $1.342 trillion, will cover recurrent, or housekeeping expenses.

A significant portion of the funds allocated to the finance ministry, will be directed towards meeting Jamaica’s debt obligations.

Mrs. Williams tabled the budget on February 12, and the estimates were reviewed by the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, last Thursday and Friday.

The finance minister will provide further details on allocations for the upcoming fiscal year.

Last month, Mrs. Williams also tabled new revenue measures for implementation, in fiscal years 2026/2027 and 2027/2028.

The government is projected to earn approximately $29.439 billion, in fiscal year 2026/2027 from these measures.

Meanwhile, the debate schedule will see opposition spokesman on finance, Julian Robinson, making his presentation on Thursday, and opposition leader Mark Golding, on March 17.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness will make his contribution to the debate, on March 19, and Ms. Williams, will close the budget debate, on March 24.