KINGSTON, Jamaica — Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, has implored Jamaicans to give the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) an opportunity to continue the work of developing the country when they cast their ballots in the September 3 General Election.

“We (the JLP) have done more for you than any other administration and, certainly, more than the PNP has ever done,” Tufton insisted during his closing statement at Tuesday night’s election debate on the economy.

In further making his party’s case for re-election, the minister reminded that, in 2016, Jamaicans gave the JLP their “vote of confidence” to correct “the ills with our economy caused by the People’s National Party”.

“They (the PNP) served 24 of 27 years and created more debt, more unemployment, more poverty than any other administration,” he suggested.

“Fast forward to today, 2025, we have the lowest poverty rate, we have the lowest unemployment rate, we have a macro-economic, stable society, we have more companies registering to start their businesses, we have crime that has been the monster of your business, your personal life [trending] down, the lowest in 30 years, all by the policies of this Government,” Tufton declared.

He admitted, however, that his Government “still has some way to go”, but noted that the country’s hospitals and health centres have embarked on the largest expansion as well as build-out under the JLP.

In contrast, Tufton pointed the finger at past PNP administrations, claiming that they left the island’s health facilities in a “disaster”, leaving the JLP to correct such issues.

“We ask you on September 3rd, give the Jamaica Labour Party the opportunity to continue the work… They (the PNP) are now coming with a one-week plan, essentially, to get your vote by claiming $3.5 [million income tax threshold increase] when they rejected our (the JLP’s) $1.5 [million income tax threshold increase] when we started. They don’t know how to get you there, we will get you there,” the minister insisted.

Arguing that the JLP is about protecting families and communities, Tufton stressed that the governing party will continue to do what is necessary if re-elected on September 3.

“That is all that matters. Their (the PNP’s) diversion around innuendos, rumours, targeting persons, and character assassination does not impact you in your community. It is about the water, the road, the health services, and this Government has done more,” Tufton said.