Prime Minister Andrew Holness has defended his government’s strategy of partnering with various arms of the society, including the private sector, to create economic growth and development for the Jamaican people.
The prime minister says this partnership also includes working with civil society interests, labour and local entrepreneurs.
He made the comments while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kiln 5-Expansion Project at the Jamaica Cement Company this morning.
Wayne Walker tells us more in this report.
The prime minister is defending his government’s partnerships against those he says are attempting to drive a wedge between them.
Holness’ comments come amid backlash against MP for South West Clarendon, Lothan Cousins, who accused the private sector of propping up the JLP-government and ignoring the needs of the Jamaican people.
The prime minister says his government’s partnerships have created tangible benefits for the Jamaican people.
The prime minister stressed the government is committed to working with civil society, labour, small business owners and entrepreneurs to create an enabling environment for Jamaicans to create the best outcomes for their lives.
He says the best way to ensure national development is to work together across sectors.
The prime minister says Jamaica’s experience has shown there can be no economic prosperity when the private sector is excluded.
Cousins had expressed a difficulty understanding how any person of colour could find themselves supporting the Jamaica Labour Party, which he says is not a party of the people.
The prime minister is warning Jamaicans against being swayed by what he says is the politics of poverty.
Holness says Jamaicans must reject the belief that protection of the poor rests in delivering handouts.
