Dear Editor,

Jamaica is undoubtedly on a transformative path under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). With a few weeks shy of the ninth anniversary of the 2016 General Election win, the Holness Administration has a lot to celebrate.

The country has recorded the lowest-ever unemployment rate (3.6 per cent) and now boasts a modernised Jamaica Constabulary Force, yielding for 2024 a near-10-year reduction in major crimes, at 19 per cent, and murders within the 1,200 range, only bettered by 2012 at 1,005. Surely the use of states of emergency has had a positive impact, as noted by Dr Holness, “We know what works.”

What else does the articulate majority need to see to influence its participation in elections?

This Holness Administration has undertaken major infrastructural investment in our road and water network and removed the burden of taxation from the backs of the Jamaican people — heaped on by the previous Administration — by reverse tax credit, increase in the income tax threshold from approximately $550,000 to $1.5 million in 2016 and up to $1.7 million by 2024. General Consumption Tax burden on taxpayers saw similar positive reduction from 16.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

The Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) benefits have increased as the Government continues to care for the vulnerable by improving beneficiaries standard of living and bridging inequality. Minimum wage earners saw their best Christmas in June with an increase to $15,000 in 2023, from a low of some $6,200 in 2016.

The long talked about Public Sector Compensation Review, completed by then Minister of Finance Dr Nigel Clarke, saw the largest salary increases to public sector employees by any Administration in Jamaica’s history, even with a six-year signature of no new taxes. These bold actions set the stage for peace, growth, and prosperity because of tested and proven good economic management by Dr Holness’s team JLP.

Yet, despite these advancements, one alarming trend persists: low voter turnout. The mere 30 per cent participation in our elections raises serious questions about our collective commitment to progress.

How can one complain that “none ah dem nuh better” when there exists clear ideological differences between the two and a track record of achievements from which both can be judged?

When will the members of the articulate majority, who often occupy the various social media spaces, where praises are few but critique of policies and leadership decorate the debates, take up their spaces in lines on election day?

Why does the articulate majority elect to stay home on election day, leaving the country’s future in the hands of a quiet voting minority? Beyond the tweets, comments, posts and likes, what tangible result can you show for your apparent outrage? Real change requires more than just words; it demands action.

This is an election year. The articulate majority must translate its voice to votes. It’s a moral responsibility.

Only then can we truly claim to be building a better Jamaica for ourselves and future generations.

Clinton Rattray

Clintonray94@gmail.com