KINGSTON, Jamaica—The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is criticising the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) for what it described as a “tone deaf and insensitive to the plight of Jamaicans” in its objection to the decision of Cabinet to fast-track the restoration of electricity by authorising a US $150 million loan to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

“Given the measures taken by the Government to safeguard the loan and the tangible comfort and convenience it will bring to thousands of Jamaicans at least 12 to 20 weeks sooner than had appeared possible, it is particularly disappointing to hear the position taken by at least four senior members of the PNP objecting to the loan. The PNP’s position is tone deaf, and we would even venture to say insensitive to the plight of Jamaicans, including residential and business owners who are without electricity”, said JLP Communication TaskForce Chairman, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley.

He said the JLP’s contrasting outlook on the issue of the loan when compared to the PNP, highlights a fundamentally different approach to politics of both political parties.

“In the Jamaica Labour Party, we understand that at the centre of good politics is putting the interest of the people first, and therefore we naturally support the initiative of Cabinet, which has essentially moved to deploy the people’s money to bring much needed convenience to the people, via an arrangement where the monies lent will be recouped at a five per cent interest rate. This initiative is no doubt a win-win situation for the people of Jamaica, in particular those who are without electricity”, Fitz-Henley reasoned.

Senator Fitz-Henley said the position taken by the PNP on the loan given to the JPS in order to fastback restoration of electricity is unreasonable.

“Not only will the loan to JPS bring comfort and convenience to Jamaicans sooner, it will give in particular our business owners the opportunity to earn income and contribute towards their families and the Jamaican economy. The view expressed by members of the PNP that the 150-million-dollar loan is not necessary, and that perhaps people without power should be made to wait the additional 12 to 20 weeks, is not only obtuse but incredibly shortsighted and insensitive”, the JLP communication chairman commented.

Senator Fitz-Henley says the Jamaica Labour Party firmly supports the decision taken by Cabinet to issue the “highly strategic and well-thought-out” loan to JPS and further notes that the arrangement has avoided extending the JPS licence on current terms.

“Further, the Jamaica Labour Party commends Energy Minister Daryl Vaz and the Andrew Holness-led Cabinet for their determination to hold JPS accountable, in particular concerning the electricity restoration effort”, Fitz-Henley concluded.