Expect fireworks - Debate on economic policy to light up Gordon House today

FIREWORKS ARE expected in Parliament today as the debate on the Government's economic policy heats up.

The debate actually startedlast week, but the economic measures were pushed to the back burner as the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) failed to participate, arguing that it was not ready.

At that time, the PNP claimed that it had not been provided with the necessary information on time, and was in no position to make a reasoned contribution to the debate.

That came almost two weeks after the Opposition had gone to the House, while it was still on recess, demanding that the Government start the debate.

However, the Government team was armed and ready on Tuesday, and the debate started with Finance Minister Audley Shaw opening the action.

Today, Prime Minister Bruce Golding is expected to contribute to the debate, with fired-up members of the Opposition, led by its leader, Portia Simpson Miller, and its spokesman on finance, Dr Omar Davies, expected to add their contributions.

On Sunday, Simpson Miller signalled the Opposition's readiness for the debate, arguing that the Golding administration was saddling the most needy in the society with additional burdens.

According to Simpson Miller, the Opposition was going through the Government's economic plan with a fine-toothed comb to be ready for the debate.

Other members of the Opposition also voiced their concern, as they accused the administration of muddling its way through the current economic crisis.