KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is urging both political parties to ground their campaign pledges in financial reality, warning that Jamaica’s economic stability could be jeopardised if promises outpace execution.
With the manifestos of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People’s National Party (PNP) now in the public domain, the PSOJ acknowledged the potential benefits of many proposals but cautioned that broad tax cuts and ambitious programmes must be backed by credible financing plans.
Balancing Reform With Responsibility
The PSOJ noted that business leaders welcome the JLP’s push toward greater efficiency—particularly through digital tools to streamline permits and land transactions. At the same time, it described the PNP’s focus on technology, industrial upgrading, and small-business support as an important signal of future-oriented thinking.
Still, the organisation stressed that these initiatives carry significant fiscal costs. “Ideas have merit,” the release suggested, “but execution without discipline risks eroding the very stability on which investor confidence rests.”
The Tax Debate Front and Centre
Both parties have placed personal income tax changes at the heart of their campaigns. The PNP’s proposal to double the threshold to J$3.5 million and the JLP’s plan to reduce the standard rate to 15 per cent are being presented as relief for workers—but the PSOJ insists such reforms demand transparent modelling of revenue and debt implications.
Transparency as Non-Negotiable
According to the PSOJ, Jamaica’s gains in debt reduction and macro-stability cannot be compromised. The organisation called on both parties to publish full roadmaps that detail timelines, trade-offs, and fallback measures should growth targets falter.
The Core Message
Behind the polite commendations, the PSOJ’s message was clear: election season should not distort the discipline required to keep Jamaica’s economy steady. Manifestos may inspire, but without hard numbers and execution discipline, they risk becoming liabilities rather than opportunities.
