ST JAMES, Jamaica — As the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) launched its manifesto at a mass rally in the historic Sam Sharpe Square, Finance Minister Fayval Williams announced that, if the party is returned to office, students whose accounts with the Students Loan Bureau (SLB) are in good standing will receive a one-off grant of $100,000.

“We could not leave out our young people. Under the next Jamaica Labour Party government, we will be giving a one-time annual grant of $100,000 to our students in good standing with their student loans,” Williams told supporters.

She explained that students meeting their obligations will have the option to apply the $100,000 to reduce their loan balance, purchase a laptop or books, or help cover general living expenses.

In a jab at the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), Williams stressed that the JLP had chosen to launch its manifesto among ordinary citizens.

“We are not launching it in the air-conditioned comfort of a ballroom. We are in the streets with you because we are bold, we are strong. We are with the people here in Montego Bay, and we want to say to you, choose Jamaica. Choose Jamaica!” Williams declared.

— Horace Hines