Dear Editor,

As the country’s general election fast approaches, both of Jamaica’s major political parties are engaged in the customary dissemination of their programmes and policies from party platforms.

However, the major issue for both parties is the inability to sway the uncommitted youthful segment of the electorate. To my mind, young voters need to be aware of the context of the election and make their choice based on informed analysis of the comparative facts.

My ultimate aim is to prevent a repeat of the colossal economic, international, domestic and public policy failures that were irrefutably a landmark of the the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government of 2007-2011.

The JLP won the 2007 General Election on the back of promising to turn around the country’s economy within 100 days, and that they would grow the economy by seven per cent in their first year. Their main tag line was jobs, jobs and more jobs. Also, the JLP were the ones who persuaded the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bail out Jamaica. However, even after the intervention of the IMF, the JLP exhibited an inability to commit to fiscal discipline.

After a four-year tenure, the JLP was voted out because of the mismanagement of the country, especially the economy, which ultimately saw over 120,000 Jamaicans losing their livelihood. The JLP was able to balloon the level of poverty from 9.9 per cent to 19.9 per cent, and they grew the country’s debt by over 68 per cent.

In contrast the People’s National Party (PNP) Government of 2012-2016 has been showered with admiration and praise by both local and domestic partners, investors and rating agencies. The PNP has not only managed to successfully manoeuvre the country through a very rigid IMF agreement with an excellent record of fiscal maturity, but they have also implemented and strengthened social programmes that have protected the poor and most vulnerable.

The World Bank has projected that if Jamaica remains on the current path the country will grow on average by 2.5 per cent for the next three years. This will establish Jamaica ahead of the curve in the region.

I am imploring young Jamaicans to vote for the party of progress. This is the party that has been at the forefront of every progressive development in Jamaica’s history. From expanding access to education, improving investments in health and social programmes, equal pay for women, increased access to affordable housing, among countless others. Jamaica is on a good track, we all should get on board and keep the momentum going and never look back.

Steve Collins

steveyc312@gmail.com