JLP Says PM's Speech Failed To Inspire Jamaicans

By: Edmond Campbell

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Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Robert Montague, said he was disappointed with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s presentation last night, as she sent Jamaicans to the polls on February 25.

Montague said the prime minister failed to inspire the Jamaican people and provide hope for many categories of workers.

“My disappointment came in that I did not hear any specific programme for the farmer. I did not hear any programmes going forward for the taxi driver, for the household helper, for the businessman. I didn’t hear any specific programmes for those who will be laid off under the public-sector reform. We didn’t hear of anything specific to cushion that,” Montague told The Gleaner.

BALLOONING MURDER RATE

He said the prime minister did not address the ballooning murder rate, which saw homicides rise 20 per cent in 2015.

Montague said the JLP would be having a meeting today of all its candidates at the party’s Belmont Road headquarters in St Andrew at 3 p.m. to put the final touches on the JLP’s plans. “We anticipated the date and we were on track. The organisation is in top shape.”

Montague said the JLP would win the next election and begin the process of taking Jamaica from poverty to prosperity.

And Opposition Leader Andrew Holness indicated that Simpson Miller was forced to call the election before the 2016-2017 Budget as “undesirable measures” are expected.

He said the prime minister had false-started in failing to call the election late last year and wasted public resources.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com