AS THE new fiscal year dawns with what is expected to be a colourful ceremonial opening of Parliament today, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has made an eight-point demand on the Government, which it said would lead to a better Jamaica.

The JCC said that the Government must improve the level of trust between itself and the people by implementing a partnership approach to decision making.

The JCC statement comes a day before Governor General Dr Patrick Allen delivers his maiden throne speech at Gordon House. The throne speech is used yearly to articulate the Government's key policy directions.

Economic challenges

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has said that despite the economic challenges in crafting this year's Budget, the estimates of which will be tabled today, the Government would not be cutting back spending in areas of health care, education and national security.

Yesterday, the JCC said that the Government, this year, must demonstrate a resolve to declare war on crime, restoring family life and family values, improving management and increased accountability over the use of public resources and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.

The JCC also said that the Government must also focus its attention on addressing issues of unemployment and underemployment, attracting investment and stimulating infrastructural development in an environment where there is a commitment to reforming the tax system.