Official debate is expected to begin on Wednesday morning, and will be moved by the Minister of State for Finance, James Smith.
In the meantime, Senators heard the first reading of the following bills:
* A Bill for an Act to amend the Tariff Act. This Act, which amends the Tariff Act 2003, may be cited as the Tariff (Amendment) Act 2004. The Bill seeks to exempt customs duties on building materials and supplies for the construction, renovation and repair of approved educational institutions, and furniture. It also exempts customs duties on materials and components of Systems Building imported by the Minister of Housing or persons authorized by him for the construction of housing units in any government housing project.
* A Bill for an Act to amend the Stamp Act. The Act may be cited as the Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2004. The purpose of this amendment is to exempt stamp duty in important entries relating to: Goods imported by charitable organizations approved by the Minister, goods approved by the minister for government agencies, building materials and supplies for the construction, renovation and repair of educational institutions and furniture for education and institutions; and materials and components of systems buildings, imported for use in the construction units in any government housing project.
* The Final Appropriation (2002/2003) Expenses Act, 2004. This Act outlines the further sum of $14,267,680 to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of The Bahamas.
* The Supplementary Appropriation (2003/2004) Recurrent Account expenses Act, 2004. This Act outlines the further sum of $10,647,006 to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of The Bahamas
* The Supplementary Appropriation (2003/04) Capital Development Account Act, 2004. This Act outlines the further sum of $7,789,329 to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of The Bahamas.
* The Supplementary Appropriation (2003/2004) Recurrent Account Expenses Act, 2004. This Act outlines the sum of $41,400,000 to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of The Bahamas.
* A Bill for an Act for the appropriation of the sum of $148,396,480 for and towards defraying the expenses of the government for Capital Development for the financial year ending June 30, 2005.
* A Bill for an Act for the appropriation of divers sums of money for and towards defraying the expenses of the government of The Bahamas, on revenue account for the financial year commencing July 1, 2004 and ending June 30, 2005.
According to Chief Clerk at the House of Assembly, Maurice Tynes, the 2004/05-budget debate in the Senate is expected to wrap up on Friday. The budget will then be sent to the Governor-General for her assent (signing) and becomes law. The entire process has to be completed by June 30 when the 2003/04 fiscal year ends.
Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
