FINANCE AND the Public Service Minister Audley Shaw's absence from critical talks between Jamaica and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington is being described by the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) as bizarre.

The Opposition said yesterday that it was deeply concerned at the Government's handling of the critical and sensitive negotiations of a loan facility with the IMF.

Dr Omar Davies, the Opposition spokesman on finance, in a release, raised alarm that Shaw was in Jamaica while his colleague Don Wehby, who would be returning to the private sector at the end of the month, was leading the negotiating team in Washington.

Demanding answers

Not only is the PNP puzzled by Shaw's non-attendance, but it is also describing as strange, the absence of the Bank of Jamaica Governor, Derick Latibeaudiere, from the trip, even though the country's balance of payments situation is the main reason for the IMF engagement.

The Opposition is demanding answers from the Bruce Golding administration on the current arrangements.

"It is inexplicable that Minister Shaw is not actively involved in a hands-on way in negotiating the terms of the loan that the Government is trying to raise from the IMF," said Dr Davies.

Relevance of budget

The Opposition also wants the prime minister to provide current information to the country as to the likely terms and conditions of any IMF loan.

It is also questioning whether the expenditure budget approved by Parlia-ment remained relevant.

The PNP is of the view that the "virtual cessation of capital expenditure by all ministries would suggest that the 'real' budget for 2009/2010 will be revealed in the agreement being discussed in Washington in the absence of the minister of finance".

All attempts to get Minister Shaw's response yesterday failed.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com