With the government’s 2025/26 Budget now debated in Parliament and national attention turning to the implications of its measures, the University of

the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, is reaffirming its role in shaping public dialogue through the return of its annual Budget Forum, hosted by the Department of Economics.

Experts will critically assess the fiscal priorities outlined by Finance Minister Fayval Williams in her sectoral presentation, including strategies for economic growth, debt management, and equity in public spending.

Confirmed speakers include Courtney Williams, Commissioner of the Independent Fiscal Commission; Julian Robinson, MP, Opposition Spokesperson on Finance and the Public Service; Government Senator Marlon Morgan; and Dr Samuel Braithwaite, Lecturer in the Department of Economics.

Moderating the discussion is journalist and financial analyst Dashan Hendricks.

Unlike closed policy briefings or partisan platforms, UWI Mona’s Budget Forum provides an open, non-partisan space where academic expertise intersects with real-world policy and public accountability.

Dr Patrice Whitely, Head of the Department of Economics, underscored the value of public-facing academic engagement, “This forum is a continuation of our commitment to advancing public understanding of economic policy. By opening up the discussion, we empower citizens to engage more meaningfully in national development.”

This year’s forum follows the tabling of a J$1.3 trillion national budget, with increased allocations for infrastructure, social programmes, and compensation reform. The department expects robust discussion on the trade-offs and long-term implications of these plans, especially as

Jamaica continues efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with inclusive development.

Dr Whitely concluded, “This forum is not just an academic exercise—it is part of Jamaica’s democratic process. It empowers citizens to move from awareness to understanding, and from understanding to action.”

The event will take place on Thursday, 27 March, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the UWI Mona Main Library under the theme ‘A Fiscally Responsible Budget for Growth’.