The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has distanced itself recent comments made its spokesman on education Senator Damion Crawford regarding the funding of that sector.

During a presentation at the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools conference in Trelawny, Senator Crawford mentioned a potential one percentage point increase in the General Consumption Tax (GCT) as one of several approaches to generating additional funds for the education sector.

But in a release on Wednesday the PNP said Crawford’s comments were made in the context of exploring different ideas, and were not a reflection of the official position of the PNP.

“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,” said the 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 prioritising and reallocating existing resources to ensure that education receives the attention and funding it needs, without introducing new taxes,” added the party.

According to the PNP, when given the opportunity to govern it will make education a priority for Jamaica.

“We will work diligently to optimise the existing budget, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. Our focus will be on the efficient and effective use of available resources to benefit the people of Jamaica.

“We appreciate Senator Crawford’s dedication to the cause of education and reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the education system in a fiscally responsible manner,” the PNP said.