WESTMORELAND, Jamaica— Opposition leader Mark Golding is warning his political rival Andrew Holness against using gimmicks while campaigning in the run up to the February 26 local government elections.

Golding, who was touring Westmoreland on Tuesday with People’s National Party (PNP) candidates for the upcoming election, told party supporters to be mindful of the promises being made by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader.

He was referring to Holness indicating that there will be an increase to the $1.5 million income tax threshold— which he referred to as version 2.0—that will be implemented under his administration. Holness made the announcement at a JLP spot meeting in Clark’s Town, Trelawny last weekend, while campaigning ahead of the polls.

However, Golding has warned his followers not to “be tricked or fooled” by the promises as only people earning at least $29,000 per week would benefit from such an increase in the threshold.

“Comrades we are in the silly season of politics and the government is promising everything under the sun, don’t be tricked or fooled. Most of what they are telling you they will never deliver on and even this 1.5 second edition they are coming with, if you are not earning at least $29,000 a week you have nothing to get from any increase to the 1.5,” Golding told the crowd of PNP supporters.

“And I say to the government don’t just come with a gimmick like this in a campaign. If you’re serious tell us how you are going to pay for any increase to the 1.5 because the last time you pay for it by putting more GCT (general consumption tax), and  more SCT (special consumption tax) on the backs of the people and it increased poverty and inequality in this country and it nah happen like that again. So mek we hear your plan. Don’t come wid no gimmicks,” the PNP leader demanded.

Golding closed out his remarks by imploring supporters to be careful on the roads during Tuesday’s tour of Westmoreland as the party seeks victory in the upcoming local government elections.

—Kimberley Peddie