Defence, criticism and caution have greeted Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’s announcement of a gradual doubling of the national minimum wage to $32,000 weekly over five years if the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is returned to office on Wednesday.

As members of the governing JLP defended the proposal at a press conference on Monday, the Opposition People’s National Party dismissed it as “a desperation tactic to win an election”.

At the same time, Global Services Association of Jamaica President Wayne Sinclair suggested that, while the sector currently provides a decent standard of emoluments for its workers, any gradual increase in the minimum wage will add to the already high cost of doing business in Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Jason Russell argued that while the increase could help curb brain drain, it is imperative that it is carefully managed and rolled out in stages.

A similar view was advanced by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce which said that, while it acknowledged the importance of ensuring that all Jamaicans earn a liveable wage, it was strongly urging the Government to follow the established consultative process before committing the country to such an obligation.

Stories on Pages 4 & 5.