Thread by @MarkJGolding

In an era of climate change, depleting water resources and food insecurity, charting the course for sustainable recovery must involve a new level of commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience.
#BudgetDebate2022

Jamaica has critical, ecologically-sensitive national assets, like the Cockpit Country, other aquifers, our coastal areas and river systems.
#BudgetDebate2022

We must protect them for future generations. We cannot continue to subordinate our long-term survival for ill-advised short-term gains. We cannot push through investments which are incompatible with environmental sustainability.
#BudgetDebate2022

NEPA is now embedded in the ministry that is tasked with promoting faster levels of economic growth. That is a clear conflict of interest. NEPA must become an independent regulatory body. #BudgetDebate2022

Its enabling legislation must be updated to provide effective punishment for environmental violations.
#BudgetDebate2022

We live in an era where technology increasingly dominates economic activity. Many of the world’s largest businesses today did not even exist 15 years ago.
As the world goes increasingly digital, Jamaica is now being left behind, with low levels of digital penetration.

Technology provides many new opportunities to drive efficiency. The internet has become an indispensable source of knowledge and commerce facilitation.
We need to invest in our rapid digital transformation.
#BudgetDebate2022

In the 1970s, the PNP Government took on electrification, through a massive programme that brought that essential utility to nearly the entire population of our country. We will do the same for broadband internet.
#BudgetDebate2022

We are told by the Government that the process has started, but it is moving slowly and one is yet to feel its impact. Three hot spots per constituency, each with a range of 800 feet, while welcome, cannot adequately serve the needs of the people.
#BudgetDebate2022