KINGSTON, Jamaica – When Dr Peter Phillips announced the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal as he wrapped up the annual Budget Debate last week, many in the House and across the nation were happy – the ecstasy had waned by then. Dr Phillips, who earned respect by the way he handled the negotiating process, must be congratulated for getting the deal done, and warding off some of the harsher conditions while lengthening some timelines. He did not linger at happiness. Instead, the battle-hardened finance minister was categorical about how he viewed the IMF approval; he stated simply and firmly that “the hard work” begins now.
While the minister obviously speaks for the Government, that hard work marching order applies to both the Government and civil servants at all levels, but also to all leaders in the private sector and every level below them, leaders and members of our churches, schools and tertiary educational facilities, those in civil society organisations and to every citizen and resident that lives in this country.
