Cabinet still to consider renaming Throne Speech to People's Speech

CABINET is yet to consider a motion passed by the House of Represen-tatives for the renaming of the Throne Speech as the People's Speech.

Leader of Government Business Phillip Paulwell said yesterday that the Cabinet would deal with the matter in time for the April 3 start of the new parliamentary year.

Government backbencher Raymond Pryce had moved the motion, and was the only one to debate the renaming of the speech, which is presented at the start of the parliamentary year by the governor general.

Paulwell told Parliament that Governor General Sir Patrick Allen would be addressing Gordon House for the ceremonial opening of the legislative year on April 3, the same day the budget for the 2014-2015 year will be tabled.

The Standing Finance Com-mittee of Parliament will consider the estimates between April 8 and 10, before Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips opens the debate on April 17.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller will make her contribution to the debate on April 29, five days after Opposition Leader Andrew Holness speaks, and a day before Phillips returns to close the debate.

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw is scheduled to speak on April 22, while a government and an opposition member will speak on April 23.