Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in a statement issued to the media
yesterday after the meeting which ended on Saturday, said "good and
steady progress was made" over the three-day period.
Simpson Miller said ministers reported on their strategic priorities for
the 2013/14 year while Cabinet examined the issues with a view to
taking decisions about "the final shape of the upcoming budget against
the background of the Economic Reform Programme and the discussions with
the International Monetary Fund".
"The special meeting of the Cabinet settled on important measures to be
adopted in shaping the 2013/2014 Budget, and the economic development
programme, including the acceleration of job creation," Simpson Miller
said in her statement.
In the meantime, the prime minister said the legislative programme for
the current fiscal year and the year ahead were discussed.
She said Cabinet examined, among other things, the further strengthening
of the institutional capacity of the security forces, crime prevention
and community safety. It also took note of the increase in tourism
arrivals and the proposed modernisation of the agricultural sector.
According to Simpson Miller, there was further evidence that "joined-up
approaches" were being successfully employed and should be maintained
"especially in a time of fiscal constraints".
Meanwhile, Cabinet has "committed to intensifying communication and
dialogue with the society to ensure citizens have a full understanding
of the Government's policies and programmes and the national strategic
direction".
Yesterday, Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips, when contacted by the
Jamaica Observer, declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting,
saying he preferred to "wait on the briefing tomorrow (today)".
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