PNP unveils manifesto

THE opposition People's National Party this morning unveiled its manifesto during a press briefing at the Wyndham hotel in Kingston this morning.

Among its 18 promises to 'full people empowerment' the party said it would lead the fight against corruption by example and re-negotiate the present International Monetary Fund loan agreement.

Below is a listing of the 18 promises:  

Negotiate a new IMF Loan Agreement to be in place only for as long as necessary and on terms and conditions that will  lead to both the social and the economic development of our people;

Reform the public sector for efficiency, especially at the customer service level both for citizens and for investors;

Expand and re-engineer Petrojam through a joint venture partnership to reduce petroleum costs and contribute to increasing national productivity;

Remove the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on electricity charges to ease the burden caused by electricity bills;

Establish near-shore ICT industries with the Mandeville University Knowledge Centre as the hub for education, training and job creation;

Create meaningful jobs using existing resources available to the Government, beginning with the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP);

Lead in the fight against corruption by example, by the proper use of Parliamentary oversight and by public education;

Engage the people through community structures in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of programmes which directly affect their welfare and development;

Enhance community policing capability and forensic management to improve the security of our citizens;

Introduce new legislation to impact positively on doing business in Jamaica;

Renew the focus on facilitating small and medium sized enterprises which make the greatest contribution to economic growth and employment;

Work creatively with the private sector, the youth, cultural, educational sports and entertainment organisations and institutions to socialise and equip the youth for employment and effective citizenship;

Review the policies on Energy and Information and Communication Technology to ensure sustainability and growth in the manufacturing and  service sectors, as well as greater efficiency in government operations;

Restore the emphasis on Early Education and enhance existing initiatives under the Education Transformation programme;

Provide an affordable safety net for The Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education PATH beneficiaries and members of the disabled community needing educational, hospital and other health services;

Restore viable partnership structures between the Government and critical stakeholders, including the Private Sector, the Trade Union Movement, the Church, the Media and other Civil Society organisations so that trust is restored; the Development Council will be restored to provide a forum for dialogue and consultation for the framing of economic and social policies;

Extend  the reach and efficiency of Local Government by giving legal personality to properly structured Town and Community organisations and requiring proper reporting relationships on the part of elected representatives; and

Establish a National Council of Justice to formulate the proper administration of Justice and to protect and promote respect for fundamental human rights.