PEOPLE’S National Party (PNP) spokesman on finance Julian Robinson has vowed that when his party forms the next Government growing the economy will be its priority from the first day.

“Not just any growth, but a deliberate, inclusive, and sustainable expansion that reaches every corner of Jamaica. Growth that transforms our economy by moving beyond low-wage jobs to high-value industries, fostering innovation and driving value-added exports. This means creating better-paying jobs, improving infrastructure, and empowering local businesses to compete on the global stage,” Robinson said to loud cheers from the thousands of Comrades inside the National Arena on Sunday for the public session of the PNP’s 86th annual conference.

“Our focus is on growth that does not just inflate numbers but improves lives, lifts families out of poverty, and creates opportunities for all Jamaicans — regardless of their background. This is how we will build a resilient economy — one that benefits the many, not the few, and addresses the urgent challenges of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow,” added Robinson.

He said the PNP’s focus will begin by changing how the country views growth.

According to Robinson, too often Jamaica has leaned on low-skill, low-wage jobs, especially in sectors like the business process outsourcing (BPO), industry which he was, nevertheless, quick to add has been good for the economy.

“While these jobs have played a role in creating employment, they cannot be the foundation of a strong and resilient economy. To truly advance, Jamaica must pursue a future where value-added exports play a larger role. This includes promoting industries that capitalise on our creativity, our intellectual capital, and our natural resources.

“Jamaica can lead the region in producing innovative products in fields like agro-processing, manufacturing, and digital services. We must leverage and fully exploit our geographic location and develop logistics-centred industries. We must actively work towards being known for excellence in products that are ‘Made in Jamaica’ and that can command premium prices on the international market — not just for offering cheap labour,” declared Robinson.

The PNP spokesman, a former general secretary of the party, said achieving this vision will require a strong, coordinated effort from the State.

“The Government has a critical role to play in accelerating this transformation. A PNP Government will create policies that incentivise innovation, research, and development. This means investing in infrastructure, ensuring that our entrepreneurs have access to financing, and developing a business environment that nurtures rather than stifles their potential.

“The Government’s role must ensure a level playing field for local producers, help to mitigate external shocks, and provide the backbone for Jamaica’s economic resilience,” said Robinson.

He told Comrades that a PNP Government will also focus on the alarming state of foundational literacy and numeracy among Jamaica’s young people.

“If we fail to address this, all the STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] schools we build, and all the skills training we provide through HEART will be built on sand.

“We cannot start with advanced learning when far too many of our children and young adults are not even reading or doing basic arithmetic at the required levels. There must be a comprehensive national effort to ensure that every child leaves primary school with a strong grasp of literacy and numeracy. This is the foundation of labour productivity, and if we are to improve the skills and capabilities of our workforce we must start at the very beginning,” declared Robinson.

He said the next PNP Government will target primary education and early childhood development, because that is what will make the greatest impact on Jamaica’s future.