Golding criticizes PNP jobs initiative

Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding (pictured), has criticized the Opposition’s job initiative, the Jamaica Emergency Employment Program (JEEP), which was outlined by Portia Simpson-Miller, the Leader of the People’s National Party (PNP) at its 73rd Annual Conference last Sunday. Golding said the employment rate in Jamaica has increased over the last two quarters.

During his remarks, Golding disagreed with Simpson-Miller’s proposal to increase job prospects.

“Mrs. Simpson-Miller seems to feel that the way to create jobs is to create special work programs that are going to have to be funded by the budget, that’s not going to work,” said Golding. “The way to do it is to create investments, get investments going (and) create the environment that would be conducive to investment.”

He said a big part of creating an environment for investment is getting macro-economic harmony and cited a reduction in interest rates.

“When in Jamaica’s recent history, if ever at all, do you recall for the eight months of this year up to the end of August, the inflation rate, total inflation in Jamaica was less that 4 per cent?” Golding asked.