IT APPEARS that the splash, pomp and pageantry which surrounded the commemoration of independence celebration last year may be taken prisoner by a hostile national budget.

Figures contained in the estimates of expenditure indicate that Olivia Grange, minister with responsibility for culture, will also have less money to spend on some national cultural events.

The allocation for the promotion of cultural events has been downsized radically from $101 million last year to $20 million this year.

The money for promotion of cultural events is paid to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission to help in the promotion of events com-memorating Independence Day, Emancipation Day and National Heritage Week.

Last year, Grange quenched the thirsts of many Jamaicans who had not seen the float parade in years by returning it to the nation's streets for the independence celebration.

"It is the view of this Government, the present administration, and certainly my view, that we should celebrate each year of our independence in fine style," Grange said last year.

Prime Minister's gala

Another major casualty under Grange's portfolio is the prime minister's gala, which is budgeted to receive less than half the sum it got last year.

The prime minister's gala is an annual reception for the recipients of the National Honours and Awards, leaders of the state, civil society, the private sector and members of the diplomatic corps.

Last year, the event received $11 million for recurrent expenses, but as the nation grapples with turbulent eco-nomic tides, which continues to batter the nation's vessel, finance minister Audley Shaw has moved to curtail government spending on many events.

The prime minister's gala this year is budgeted to cost $5 million.

While some cultural activities have suffered tremendously under the axe, others have escaped the mighty fat-trimming exercise.

Labour Day activities have been spared the cut. The event will again be allocated $11 million this year, same as last year, but less in real terms when a 11.5 per cent year-to-date inflation is taken into account.

Independence Day activities in western Jamaica also missed having to deal with a rapidly shrinking purse.

The event will be getting $4 million, down from the $4.5 it received last year.

The Standing Finance Committee of Parliament will begin deliberations on the estimates of expenditure on Tuesday. The committee must approve the estimates before the Government can spend the funds that have been budgeted.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com