Buoyed by news that the Government is to tweak its expenditure budget, trade unionist Danny Roberts is urging the administration to restore the $700 million which was shaved off the allocation to the University of the West Indies (UWI).

"I want to make a special appeal to the minister of finance to not only restore that $700 million, but to find some additional resources to put to it," Roberts declared yesterday to applause from his audience at the Rotary Club of Kingston's weekly meeting.

"We must recognise that education is not a cost but an investment for the future advancement of the Jamaican economy," Roberts added.

The finance ministry is expected to present the adjusted Estimates of Expenditure next Thursday with minor changes, but Roberts said the UWI is one area which needs special attention.

Economic crisis

According to Roberts, while he understands the economic crisis facing the nation, the protection of the education system and assistance for the most vulnerable members of the society could not be decreased.

Pointing to the United States, Roberts noted that a portion of the multibillion-dollar stimulus package announced by President Barack Obama was geared towards making access to colleges more affordable.

He charged that the bailout plan announced by Prime Minister Bruce Golding last December contained mainly financial rescue measures for some troubled sectors without provisions to place Jamaica in a position to grow when the crisis ends.

Roberts also blasted the Golding administration for what he claimed was its failure to announce any measure to assist the most vulnerable.

"And one of those measures is, without delay, to increase the national minimum wage. That has been on the agenda for too long and at least we must recognise that we must send a signal to the most vulnerable group in our society that in their greatest hour of need ... the Government is taking the necessary steps to protect them," Roberts added.

The national minimum wage was slated to be increased in January but the increase was delayed as the Government struggled to arrive at a position acceptable to employers and employees.

Many employers have claimed that they would not be able to pay an increase in the minimum wage at this time while unions have argued that there needs to be a sharp increase to keep workers at an acceptable salary level.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com