Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller will today deliver her second presentation to the Budget Debate, at a time when the country is on alert for general election due in months.

Eight days shy of a year since she made her maiden Budget presentation, the Prime Minister is expected to highlight the achievements of her administration since she ascended to that position in March 2006.

But in a crucial year when the electorate will determine who will form the next administration, the Prime Minister will comment on a number of major investment projects and will speak directly to the farming community.

More NHT benefits expected

National Housing Trust (NHT) beneficiaries will again receive good news as the Prime Minister is expected to announce increased benefits to contributors and a further lowering of interest rates, which are now at single digit levels.

She will also spend time highlighting the NHT's thrust to provide more affordable housing solutions for young professionals.

Mrs. Simpson Miller's presentation, which is scheduled to begin after 2:00 p.m. will be aired live by sections of the electronic media.

Last year, the Prime Minister's emphasis was on "balancing people's lives", while trying to "balance the books".

Mrs. Simpson Miller used much of her three hour-long-contribution in 2006 to respond directly to points raised by Opposition Leader, Bruce Golding, a strategy criticised by many commentators who argued that she should have concentrated more on the substance of her presentation.

Up to late yesterday evening, the Prime Minister was said to be working feverishly with her team as they put the finishing touches on her speech.