Portia touts PNP accomplishments, tells JLP ‘shut up’
KINGSTON, Jamaica – President of the People’s National Party Portia Simpson Miller apparently left no stones unturned during her address at the 77th PNP annual conference as she reeled off the accomplishments of her administration since taking office.
The party leader and prime minister detailed what she called progress in education, economy, health, labour and several other sectors while speaking to the faithful at the National Arena in Kingston, today.
She used the platform to send a clear message to the Opposition, Jamaica Labour Party, and in no uncertain terms told them to “shut up” because the PNP’s record shows performance, management and leadership.
“I hear some people say nothing is happening, we are not generating employment. What were you doing when you held the position that I am now in?” Simpson Miller charged.
Among the achievements listed, was the creation of 60,000 jobs under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP).
“I will be the first to tell you that the employment levels are not yet where we want them to be, there are still too many persons unemployed, including our youth,” said Simpson Miller. “One thing is clear, we are moving in the right direction.”
The party president said the PNP is securing a better future for Jamaica.
She insisted that business confidence has improved, while also praising Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips for his handling of the economy. Simpson Miller said the country is attracting foreign direct investment.
“…Those who say we are doing nothing, come talk to me, because when you were here, you left nothing for us to show that you did,” she continued.
Simpson-Miller charged: “Don’t talk to us about progress. Don’t talk to us about work. We are workers, we are performers; we get the job done.”
The party president said in her more than 90-minute presentation that the party stands on its record of performance and renews its mission to move Jamaica “forward, onward and upward”.
“If it is a mountain, we have climbed it,” a jubilant Simpson Miller said. “If it is a river, we have crossed it.
“If it is a test, we have passed it,” she continued. “If it is a race, we have won it and when I call it, we will win it!”
