THE Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) yesterday chastised Information and Development Minister Donald Buchanan for attempting to “personalise and politicise” comments by businessman Gassan Azan about the government’s unfriendly business practices.

PSOJ President Christopher Zacca also accused Buchanan of failure to recognise Jamaica’s long held tradition of freedom of expression, as exercised by Azan and other businessmen at an Observer luncheon on June 7, 2007 for visiting Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick.

In his statement responding to Azan’s comments, Buchanan said, among other things: “His comments appear to suggest the politicisation of some sections of the business community by certain well-placed business leaders during the current election campaign.”

The minister did not provide justification for his charge and did not name the “well-placed business leaders” in his statement published in the Observer of June 11.

Following is the full text of the PSOJ’ s statement:

“The PSOJ has noted the statement in the media by Minister of Information and Development, Hon Donald Buchanan, in which he singles out businessman Mr Gassan Azan for criticism.

We strongly object to the attempt by the Minister to personalise and politicise comments made by Mr Azan. Our concern is particularly heightened in light of the current highly charged political environment and the possible ramifications for the welfare and safety of individuals so branded.

The Organisation is also very disturbed at the minister’s failure to recognise Jamaica’s long held tradition of freedom of expression, as exercised by Mr Azan and other businessmen at the Observer luncheon on June 7, 2007.

We encourage businessmen, or any Jamaican for that matter, not to give up their cherished right to express their opinion about the development of their country whether in support of, or against, any policy by any administration.

Mr Azan and other businessmen, in their comments at the luncheon, spoke to, among other things, the challenges faced by a wide cross section of local businesses whether small, medium or large enterprises. The PSOJ has consistently expressed similar concerns on behalf of the business community.

Among concerns repeatedly highlighted by the PSOJ are:

. Radical overhaul of the framework in which businesses operate in Jamaica, to encourage growth, development and entrepreneurship.

. Reduction of state bureaucracy to encourage a more business-friendly environment.

. The need for fewer barriers to entry into the formal business sector, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

. The need for income tax to be significantly reduced or replaced by more broad-based and simpler methods of revenue generation as one means of stimulating growth in the economy.

. Reduction in crime and corruption which adversely affect the development of the business sector.

The PSOJ has also offered its support for Government initiatives that will realise the growth and development needed.

As the umbrella organisation of businesses in Jamaica, the PSOJ fully supports our members in their quest to further contribute to the growth, development and prosperity of our beloved country.”