JAMP workshops connect citizens with national Budget process

Citizen groups representing women, youth and the faith-based community recently benefited from a series of workshops designed to enhance their understanding of governance, accountability, and the national Budget process. The workshops, titled ‘Understanding Our Budget for the Journey Ahead’, were delivered by Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) with funding from the European Union and the UK International Development.

The workshops sought to build the capacity and confidence of citizens by providing participants with a deeper understanding of public affairs, the responsibilities of political leaders and public officials, as well as their own role in holding them to account.

“Our primary objective is to empower Jamaican citizens with the knowledge and confidence necessary to actively participate in our nation’s democratic process,” said Jeanette Calder, executive director of JAMP, explaining the importance of the workshops. “We believe that civic engagement extends beyond the ballot box. These workshops are about introducing the Budget as more than a numbers book, but as a promise and pledge book on how the nation’s challenges will be addressed over the next 12 months. It is intended to reinforce the necessity of tax compliance, as well as to enable them to hold our public officials to account for uses of those resources.”

A release from the organisation noted that the workshops covered several key areas:

· Government and parliamentary functions: Participants learnt how these institutions work on behalf of citizens and why this knowledge is crucial for effective civic engagement.

· The national family budget: The workshops delved into the sources of government revenue, how public funds are allocated and spent, and thedecision-making processes involved.

· Monitoring and oversight: Attendees were educated on the mechanisms in place to ensure public officials operate efficiently and within legal boundaries.

· Budget stakeholders and process: Participants gained insights into who makes budgetary decisions, when these decisions are made, and how the process unfolds.

· Budget documents: The sessions provided practical guidance on how to read and interpret document related to the national Budget, such as the Estimates of Expenditure and financial statements and revenue estimates.

“No Jamaican should feel disconnected from the national Budget process. As taxpayers, we are the employers of our elected representatives in Parliament and those who deliver public

services. So, it is important to understand how our nation’s resources are managed, and feel empowered to engage in meaningful discussions about the decisions they make on our behalf,” said Calder. “An informed citizenry is the bedrock of a strong democracy. By demystifying the Budget process and governance structures, we’re not just imparting knowledge – we’re cultivating active citizens who can contribute to policy discussions, demand transparency, and drive positive change in their communities and the nation at large.”

CONCRETE INSIGHTS

Calder hopes that as a result of their participation, church elders will recognise the importance of civic engagement beyond their religious duties. Understanding the Budget process will help leaders of the faith-based community to advocate for their congregations and communities.

Reverend Newton Dixon, general secretary for the Jamaica Council of Churches, said:“This workshop brought the national Budget to life in a simple, understandable fashion. It provided concrete insights into how accountability and transparency mechanisms should function. I am convinced that understanding how our nation’s resources are managed is crucial for citizens to effectively contribute to national development. This initiative holds equity and fairness as core values, empowering participants to see the Budget as a tool for national betterment.”

He said further: “The workshop also illuminated how the national Budget directly impacts our communities and congregations. As faith leaders, understanding this process enhances our ability to advocate for our members and align our community service with national priorities. It’s not only about Jamaica’s finances; it’s about seeing how our spiritual calling intersects with civic responsibility. This knowledge equips us to better guide our congregations in engaging with national development efforts.

The initiative to engage citizens in these free workshops is rooted in JAMP’s core belief that governments exist to attend to the needs of the society and that citizens, as the ultimate owners of public assets and resources, have both rights and responsibilities in the democratic process.

JAMP plans to continue offering these workshops, with the goal of reaching an even broader cross section of the Jamaican society. JAMP already offers a series of online tools and trackers that anyone can use to monitor public financial management and hold government accountable. These tools include the Account-a-Meter, the Procurement Tracker and the National Budget Tool. When questions arise after using these trackers, the Access to Information Request tool makes it easy to submit those to the relevant authorities.

Information about JAMP and JAMP’s online tools can be found at www.jampja.org.