Dr. Christine Clarke, Deputy Dean and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at UWI Mona, offered a balanced perspective on Jamaica’s 2026 budget presentations, analyzing both the Prime Minister’s March 19 address and the Opposition Leader’s March 17 response. She noted that the Prime Minister emphasized fiscal discipline, resilience after Hurricane Melissa and new revenue measures to fund housing, education and digital transformation.
At the same time, Clarke acknowledged the Opposition Leader’s criticisms of the tax package, which he argued would disproportionately affect ordinary Jamaicans, and his call for stronger social protection and targeted investments in healthcare, renewable energy, and small business development. Clarke’s analysis highlighted the strengths of the government’s long-term development vision, while also recognizing the Opposition’s valid concerns about equity and affordability, stressing that Jamaica’s challenge lies in balancing fiscal responsibility with social protection for vulnerable groups.
The Faculty of Social Sciences at UWI Mona applauds her work and continues to express immense pride in her contributions, affirming her role as a leading voice in shaping national economic discourse.
