KINGSTON, Jamaica — Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional arm of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has blasted the People’s National Party (PNP) over what it described as “political immaturity” and a lack of foresight in response to criticisms of the Government’s Rural School Bus Programme.

The Rural School Bus Programme, introduced by the Andrew Holness-led administration, aims to ease transportation challenges faced by students and families in rural communities. According to G2K, the initiative is a “historic and long-overdue investment in educational access” that the PNP is attempting to undermine.

“It is shameful and irresponsible for the PNP to throw baseless doom and gloom at a programme that will benefit thousands of Jamaican children and families,” G2K said in a statement on Wednesday. “Their criticisms are not only ill-informed but reveal a deeper truth — the PNP is out of touch with the real needs of Jamaicans.”

The youth group took aim specifically at PNP President Mark Golding, calling his suggestion of an alternative to the school bus system “reckless” and “financially irresponsible”.

“Instead of presenting a well-thought-out plan grounded in research and fiscal reality, Mr Golding sought to pander to political crowds with hollow promises and financial recklessness,” the statement said.

G2K President Shayne Kerr also defended the programme, arguing that it addresses far more than transportation.

“This rural bus system is more than transportation — it is a direct investment in student safety, access and academic performance. When children can reach school reliably and safely, we improve attendance, punctuality and overall educational outcomes,” Kerr said.

He added that the benefits of the programme would be felt across all political constituencies and urged the Opposition to support what he called a “life-changing initiative”.

“This programme is not political, it is national,” G2K said. “It is unfortunate that the PNP would prefer to play petty politics than support life-changing initiatives.”

G2K ended its statement by calling on the Opposition to prioritise national development over political gain.

“We call on the PNP to put the country over power, and recognise that improving the lives of Jamaicans should never be sacrificed at the altar of political desperation,” the group said.

Over the last week, the PNP has doubled down on their criticisms of the Government’s rural bus plan, with some high-ranking officials even referring to the buses as “old”.

Several government officials have dismissed their claims, the latest being Transport Minister Daryl Vaz who on Tuesday lambasted the Opposition for claiming that buses being brought in from the United States for the rural school bus system are retired and unsafe.

READ: ‘False’ and ‘reckless’: Vaz blasts PNP over claims about school buses