Road Town, Tortola - Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith has confirmed that the Standing Finance Committee meetings are on schedule.

Mr. Smith disclosed this during an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Government’s proposed 2010 budget was referred to the Standing Finance Committee on March 5 after it was presented by the Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, in the House of Assembly.

Meetings began on March 9 with all Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and other top managers who have been presenting their 2010 revenue and expenditure proposals before the Standing Finance Committee. The last scheduled meeting for the Standing Finance Committee is March 30.

After the committee’s deliberations are completed, Honourable O’Neal will present the revised budget and Standing Finance Committee’s report on the 2010 budget to the House of Assembly for a two-day debate slated for April 22 and 23.

The theme of the 2010 budget address was Creating a Legacy of Sustainability.

Government’s projected revenue for 2010 is $271,666,000 with operational expenditure of $250,517,000.

The Standing Finance Committee comprises all members of the House of Assembly and is chaired by The Speaker.