PNP takes issue with 'campaign-style' ads by government ministries

 

The opposition People's National Party (PNP) has condemned the use of government resources to fund what it describes as vulgar, self-serving, political propaganda disguised as public service announcements. 

 

Opposition Spokesperson on Information Nekeisha Burchell says the PNP has noticed the blatant misuse of public funds by the Jamaica Labour Party. 

 

She says there is a growing number of campaign-style advertisements across media platforms that are being paid for by government ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Local Government. 

 

"These are not public service messages. They are thinly veiled political ads meant to boost the Jamaica Labour Party using public funds. This is not just unethical. It is corruption in plain sight. It is estimated that billions of taxpayers' dollars are being diverted to this campaign. Yet public sector workers are still waiting on retroactive payments, uniform allowances and salary increases. Pensioners are waiting. Hospitals are short on basic supplies, and while Jamaicans suffer, this government is spending freely to promote themselves and cling to power, all sponsored by the public purse," Ms. Burchell asserted.  

 

The PNP is demanding an audit of all government-funded advertisements. 

 

"Since this government refuses to exercise ethical restraint, we are demanding accountability. The PNP is calling for an immediate audit to determine just how much public money has been spent on these campaign ads, and we are calling for it to stop. Enough is enough. Public funds must be used to serve the people, not bankroll political gain. Jamaicans deserve real leadership, not propaganda, not PR, not photo ops, sponsored by the people. They deserve better," insisted the PNP spokesperson.