Michael Abrahams | What has the Andrew Holness administration achieved?

By: Michael Abrahams

Image caption: Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness making his contribution to the Budget Debate in Parliament on March 20.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) went into full campaign mode last Wednesday by mass distributing a document containing a list of what it describes as 256 “solid achievements.” 

The booklet, featuring the image of prime minister and JLP leader Andrew Holness and some members of his team on the cover, was distributed to pedestrians and motorists, and left at various business places and private residences by an army of JLP members and supporters, including the prime minister himself. 

The document is also available online and can be viewed at https://shorturl.at/5WkqE

So, what has the Holness administration delivered to the Jamaican people over its two terms in office? Quite a lot. One of the most notable accomplishments is the tax relief provided to Jamaicans over most of the past decade. Under the current administration, there have been no new taxes for eight years straight. This is a significant achievement. Not only have there been no new taxes, but some taxes have been reduced or even eliminated. For instance, GCT on electricity was cut from 15 per cent to seven per cent. Transfer tax and stamp duty were also lowered, reducing the burden on those purchasing homes and other properties. GCT was also cut on farm supplies, including fencing, water tanks, and veterinary equipment, a move which helps farmers to save money. 

In addition, minimum business tax and asset tax (for unregulated companies) was abolished, as was GCT on imported breeding animals. The Holness administration also raised the income tax threshold from J$592,800 to J$1.8 million and increased the minimum wage from $6,200 in 2016 to $16,000 today. Other measures that benefited our pockets were allowing us to purchase items online valued at up to US$100 without duties and raising the duty-free allowance for travellers to US$1,000 which, in both instances, is twice as much as before. The administration boasts of reducing the percentage of Jamaicans living in poverty from approximately 21 per cent in 2015 to 8.2 per cent in 2023 and significantly lowering our unemployment rate. Our debt has also been cut nearly in half, to our lowest level in 30 years.

SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT

There has also been significant investment in national security. Over 6,000 new police officers were recruited since 2018, bringing the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to its full complement of 14,000, and 50 more judges have been appointed across all levels of the judiciary. Domestic violence units have been established at 10 police stations, and laws against praedial larceny have been strengthened, accompanied by the recruitment of new agricultural wardens to support enforcement. These and other measures have likely contributed to a reduction in crime, with the murder rate reportedly dropping significantly in recent months. 

Regarding health, 138 health centres were upgraded, and National Health Fund (NHF) card benefits expanded to cover more illnesses. Additionally, women aged 21 years and older can now access one Pap Smear test every three years with an NHF subsidy of $ 1,300 per test. Also, a subsidy of $1,600 for a PSA test is available annually to all male NHF cardholders aged 40 years and older.

The administration’s approach to mental health must also be commended. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) launched a national mental health campaign, fighting the stigma surrounding mental illness, and launched a mental health hotline: 888-NEW-LIFE. In addition, over 124,000 counselling sessions were provided to nearly 13,000 children and adults facing trauma and mental health challenges.

Regarding tertiary-level education, students no longer require a guarantor to apply for loans through the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB), interest rates and fees on student loans have been lowered, and all fees for HEART Trust courses up to associate degree level have been removed. The Government also created 2,000 scholarships for science and technology teachers in partnership with Mico and UTech.

RURAL SCHOOL BUS

In the public transportation sector, a national rural school bus system has been announced, and public transportation has been upgraded with the addition of 270 new Jamaica Urban Transportation Corporation (JUTC) buses. In addition, Smartcard users save up to 50 per cent on JUTC buses.

The introduction of paid paternity leave for public sector workers will be one of the greatest legacies of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, as well as increasing maternity leave for public sector workers from 40 to 60 days. The Government also raised National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensions and launched Jamaica’s first social pension support for persons aged 75 and older who were not receiving NIS or other pensions. Additionally, it built over 34,000 new homes through the National Housing Trust (NHT) and other agencies. The Government also passed the Data Protection Act and created the Office of the Information Commission to protect citizens’ privacy. Interestingly, although the prime minister is embroiled in controversy with the organisation, the JLP lists the setting up and funding of the Integrity Commission (IC), to fight corruption in our country, as a worthy accomplishment. 

Naturally, there are failures of the administration as well, such as broken promises, including those to establish fixed election dates, implement term limits, and enact an impeachment bill. Our healthcare sector is ailing. For example, in 2019 (before COVID-19 reached Jamaica) our maternal mortality rate rose to the highest it had been since the turn of the century to 163.5 per 100,000 live births. We have also seen an uptick in police killings this year. Over 100 persons were killed by security forces in the first three months of the year, an increase of over 150 per cent over the corresponding period last year. And our education system is not thriving either. In 2024, only 18% of students achieved passing grades in five or more subjects, including mathematics and English, in CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) examinations. The target of five per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in four years was also not met.

Yes, there are shortcomings, but the gains made by this administration must also be acknowledged.

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