PSOJ vows to hold gov't accountable to achieving growth objectives

By Kimone Witter    

 

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has pledged to hold the government to account to achieve the recently announced economic growth objectives.

 

PSOJ President Metry Seaga says the private sector is happy with the suite of measures announced and await the effect on businesses.

 

The key focus areas under the growth agenda are human capital development, infrastructure development, reducing red tape and safety and security.

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness also outlined bold initiatives, under review, designed to solidify the nation's economic stability.

 

Among the proposals are urban renewal tax credit, payroll tax simplification, no tax on tips and increase in GCT threshold for small businesses.

 

Speaking Thursday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, the PSOJ president said the private sector will be working with the government to achieve the desired results. 

 

"I can ensure the public of Jamaica that the private sector needs to work hand in hand and intends to work hand in hand with the government to ensure that everything that has been stated here and promised is delivered because this is not a political promise and it can't be a political promise. It has to be a promise to Jamaica and for Jamaicans. So we're going to work tirelessly to ensure that we get what has been stated," he said. 

 

Mr. Seaga believes the establishment of the Efficiency Programme Oversight Committee to address public sector bureaucracy is significant. 

 

"We feel at the private sector that the number one hindrance to growth is the hurdles and the barriers that the government itself puts in place...not purposely, but that's what the legislation in some cases, that's what the rules in some cases insist upon. And we are going to be vigilant to ensure that the bureaucracy that has stymied Jamaica for the last 40 years is swept away and that doesn't mean...flouting the rules," he insisted. 

 

The PSOJ president said he put the question of the timing of the economic policy statement to Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

 

The announcement, made by Mr. Holness on Tuesday, comes months ahead of the general election due in 2025.

 

"Well, I asked the Prime Minister that question and he said to me, we couldn't do it before now. The timing was important because we had to get the fiscal space right to do it; we had to get the macro economy right," Mr. Seaga recounted. 

 

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson has suggested that the announcement is the government's attempt to win over voters who were not happy with its handling of the country's development, as captured in a recent Don Anderson poll.

 

But Mr. Seaga is appealing for the opposition to give support to the policy proposals. 

 

"I am saying that this is not something that the JLP must put in and the JLP must implement. I am saying these are things that any government that is in [power] must support and must do. And I am hoping that we will have the support of the opposition, and should they form the next government, that they will continue these things and not change them just for change's sake," he urged.