Business community eager for JLP to release its manifesto

 

With two weeks to go before Jamaica's go to the polls on September 3, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Alliance is calling for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to release its manifesto so that its members may be apprised of the party's plans for the sector. 

 

Speaking Wednesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, MSME Alliance President Antoinette Hamilton said it would be good for members of the business community to know what the JLP's plans are if they should continue in office for a third term. 

 

At the same time, Ms. Hamilton said she has reviewed the People's National Party's 'Jamaica Love' manifesto and it contains business-friendly policies that will encourage more investments both locally and through foreign direct investment.

 

"I would really love to see the JLP's manifesto.... They have been campaigning on performance, but of course any citizen would want to see what is ahead, what are the plans ahead. So it would be hoped that they would have that ready as soon as possible. But as it relates to the PNP manifesto, as I've said, in terms of policy direction, I know I've seen about reviewing the trade agreement to see if they can be more advantageous to Jamaica. That is something that I'm looking forward to because that can result in significant investment in Jamaica as well as fostering a more friendly local business environment," she suggested.

 

The JLP has said its manifesto is ready and will be launched in coming days. 

 

Meanwhile, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Metry Seaga, said he has not heard any bold and innovative plans on the campaign trail for both political parties that will spur economic growth in the country. 

 

"We have not seen the JLP's manifesto yet. What we have heard them doing is running on their record. We have seen the PNP's manifesto and, whilst I have read it through briefly, I don't know if there's anything specific that I've heard or seen from either party that tells me that they're going to be bold, innovative and creative around this particular subject," reasoned Mr. Seaga, who was also a guest on the Morning Agenda on Wednesday.