MINISTERS of Government are allowed to have personal views on issues; however, when an Administration speaks it should be with one voice that sends a clear signal to the country and to external bodies.

The current uncertainties surrounding the Donald Trump Administration’s tariffs are an example of how important it is that a Government speaks and acts as one and with the greatest quotient of clarity.

We draw attention to the difference in approaches taken by two Government ministers — Mrs Fayval Williams, the finance and public service minister; and Mr Aubyn Hill, the industry, investment, and commerce minister.

Admittedly, from the outset it was unclear what was the specific aim of the US Administration, as conflicting reasons were given for imposing baseline tariffs of 10 per cent and greater amounts on some nations, including long-time allies of America.

But with all that, we found it difficult to understand the cavalier manner in which Minister Hill seems to be approaching the matter of the tariffs.

The industry, investment and commerce minister told journalists at the April 9, 2025 post-Cabinet press briefing that Jamaica is not immediately affected by the ongoing tariff struggle between the world’s largest economies — the US and China.

Senator Hill got his apparent confidence from the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade “is reviewing the necessary documentation to ascertain whether the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) — which allows export products from most Caribbean countries to enter the US under preferential arrangements — will still apply”.

“The CBI, we are not clear yet; we don’t have the documentation that tells us yes, the CBI is going to continue… or no; CBI has gone away and across-the-board the 10 per cent tariff [will apply],” he was reported as saying.

Really? Serious countries are not sitting around waiting for crunch time. They are busy making arrangements to increase trade with current and potential partners in the event the worst comes. If it doesn’t, we would still be ahead of the eight ball.

Seeming to be cleaning up after Mr Hill two days later, Finance Minister Williams advised local businesses to prepare for higher prices and seek out opportunities as global tariff shifts begin to reshape trade dynamics.

Speaking at an Adventist Economic Outlook Forum, she warned that Jamaica’s open economy leaves it particularly exposed to external shocks, especially from recent tariff changes imposed by the US.

“As a first order, there will be an increase in prices… local exporters may find limited alternatives to bypass the increased duties, which is expected to push up import costs. As a result, consumers will face higher prices without corresponding wage increases, forcing them to make tougher decisions about their spending priorities.

“It may take some time, maybe six months or a year, for people to regain their competitive position locally and internationally,” she said.

Importantly, Mrs Williams also noted that the central bank had paused its plan to lower interest rates and, with inflation risks still present, was closely monitoring price movements. If inflation rises beyond its target range, interest rate hikes could be used to manage the situation.

This is a minister who is seized by the seriousness of the situation. Mr Hill could learn something from her.