Supplementary estimates to be tabled today

The much-anticipated supplementary estimates are to be tabled in Parliament this afternoon.



In April, the Finance Minister Audley Shaw tabled a $548 billion budget, which was later revised to $555 billion.



With a worsening of the fiscal accounts the Government is forced to make further budgetary adjustments.



The Prime Minister has said the Government would be cutting expenditure by about 20 per cent.



He has also indicated that hard decisions will have to be made, but said education, health and national security will be spared.



Financial analyst Dennis Chung said based on the government’s announcements he does not expect any surprise cuts in the budget.



Mr Chung has suggested that there should be the consolidation of some Government’s functions to enhance fiscal management.



He said consolidating functions will also help the government to be more efficient, which in turn will boost productivity and revenue generation.