Jamaica- not just the Government's Business...the People's Business

It was the IMF head Christine Lagarde who said that "There is no economy in the world, whether low-income countries, emerging markets, middle-income countries or super-advanced economies that will be immune to the crisis that we see not only unfolding but escalating."  It is against the background of such a frightening statement that the Portia Simpson-Miller led People’s National Party will take the rein of governance in Jamaica.  The People’s National Party will face significant challenges with a debt running at approximately 130per cent of GDP and unemployment at 12per cent.  Despite this phenomenon the people of this country are expecting opportunities.  As such this government must be decisive; there will be no honeymoon period and the ministers must be skillful in managing their portfolio with little or no room for error.  The electorates are expecting maximum performance and will vote against a government if they believe that they are not doing enough to serve the interest of the people.  As such there are some key areas that this government must give serious attention.

Priority areas

 Attention must be given to the increasing oil bill, the cost continues to escalate and the ripple effects are felt all over the country.   This government must ensure that they find a cheaper alternative to oil whether it is Liquefied Natural Gas, coal or some other choice.  This alternative source must help to reduce production cost and thereby reduce the cost for several items in the country.  The PNP in its manifesto promises to re-engineer Petrojam through a joint venture partnership and they promise to re-formulate the Liquefied Natural Gas Project within the context of a competitive exercise where the market makes a determination as to the fuel sources.  For too long this issue of alternative source of energy is on the table and the longer the government takes to deal with this issue is the longer the country suffers.  It is imperative that this government seek comprehensive advice and make a decision (after consultation with industry players) in selecting an alternative source of energy.  Leaving it to the market to decide will take years as people will always present pros and cons to any energy alternate that is placed on the table. 

Attention must also be placed on job creation; many persons are desperate for employment opportunities to advance themselves. Jamaica Emergency Employment Program (JEEP), a major Job creation proposal of the PNP is not far reaching and the government must find innovative ways to get Jamaicans employed.  JEEP may provide a temporary solution for the people within the inner city but there are a large number of graduates that leave university who are jobless and as such a widespread solution must be provided.   Careful attention must be given to the micro and small business enterprise as they may be a key source in stimulating the economy.  The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an area that this government plans to examine and it may reap some level of success. We have seen a steady increase of call centres and there is potential for an expansion. 

The deal with the International Monetary Fund is also important and the PNP must close the deal in the shortest possible time.  Renegotiation is not an option as clearly outlined by the Fund but what could be suggested is that we have an Extended Fund Facility which will give us enough breathing room to deal with the issues of tax reform, public sector rationalization and pension reform. 

Good governance is one of the most important features of any governing body and the PNP cannot lose its connection with the people.  Mrs. Simpson- Miller in her victory speech said, "We will tell you as it is, we will hide nothing from you, when it is tough and rough we will let you know, when it is easy we will let you know." The government must always respect the people but must ensure that they explain the realities to them.  Honesty is always important and there is no room for corruption. Where there are incidences of corruption the leadership must ensure that they are decisive and just in its actions.

Areas of Interest in the PNP's Manifesto

 The PNP promises constitutional reform and this is important, we have seen significant development in this area under the JLP government and it must be continued by the PNP. The transformation of the police force to a civilian law enforcement organization is also under the microscope.  The government must position itself in such a way to change the way people view the police force and have the human rights as high priority. 

The PNP also proposes to develop a special unit that will deal with extreme violence, this is a key factor in developing as a nation and being that the crime rate is on a low it should be the government’s intention to keep this inversely proportional to the level of production.  There are plans to implement the Individual and Corporate Insolvency Act; this will replace the bankruptcy act and will give protection to businesses that have the potential to survive if given enough breathing room.   I am particularly interested with the proposed idea to establish Local Public Accounts Committees within the parish councils.  The government needs to ensure that its officials on all level are accountable to the people who elected them.  The renegotiation of the Jamaica Public Service contract if successful will reap significant benefits to the country.  This will create competition and give people the opportunity to make choices hence breaking the monopoly of the Jamaica Public Service.

The next three to five years will be challenging for both the government and the people who are about to encounter a different transition. The government must ensure that the ministers are effective and that the country is well aware of its every move. The opposition must ensure that they keep the government on its feet and the people of this country must be the ultimate watchman as the government moves forward on the mandate given to them by the people. The party leader needs to be assertive and responsive, cognizant of sensitive issues and she must also prove herself ready to lead a nation that is destined for greatness.