KINGSTON, Jamaica— The People’s National Party (PNP) says there will be no increase in taxes under its administration following comments made by Opposition Spokesman on Education, Damion Crawford over the weekend.

Crawford, while speaking at the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools conference in Trelawny, stated that a one per cent increase in General Consumption Tax (GCT) would generate additional funds for the education sector.

On Wednesday, the PNP sought to distance itself from the comments Crawford made, stating that they “were not a reflection of the official position of the PNP” but “were made in the context of exploring different ideas” to fund education.

“It is important to state unequivocally that the PNP has neither discussed nor contemplated the introduction of any additional or new taxes. Our party understands the burden that increased taxation would impose on our citizens, especially at a time when the cost of living has been increasing intolerably and mere survival is a daily struggle for most Jamaicans,” the PNP said in a news release.

“The PNP notes that the success of the post-2012 fiscal reforms has meant that the Government’s tax intake has increased year after year at rates significantly exceeding inflation, thereby rendering increases in tax rates unnecessary.”

“The PNP also firmly believes that there are sufficient resources within the government’s current budget to better invest in the education sector. We are committed to prioritizing and reallocating existing resources to ensure that education receives the attention and funding it needs, without introducing new taxes,” the party continued.

The opposition added that when it is given the opportunity to govern, education will be a top priority, with focus on optimising the existing budget, and ensuring that each child has access to a quality education.