Anthony Hylton | Empty rhetoric: Minister Hill’s travelling show falls short of real action

Minister Aubyn Hill’s grand declarations about Jamaica’s economic future ring hollow when juxtaposed with his actual performance.

As opposition spokesperson for the People’s National Party (PNP) on the portfolio ministry, I find it necessary to address the persistent gap between the minister’s rhetoric and real results. Jamaica is at a crossroads, yet instead of paving the way forward, Minister Hill seems to be caught in an endless loop of talk, travel, and underachievement.

VISION DEFERRED

The PNP left behind a robust framework to position Jamaica as the fourth node in the global trading network – a logistics gateway linking the Americas to the world. This vision was not just rhetoric. It was supported by actionable policies and a road map for achieving sustainable economic growth. Instead of building on this momentum, Minister Hill and his predecessors have squandered the opportunity to propel Jamaica into a new era of industrial and commercial success.

Minister Hill’s observed solution? Simply insert the word “export” into agency programmes as if semantics alone can shrink a trade deficit that ballooned to an alarming US$5.7 billion in 2023. While his speeches emphasise “securing markets”, the reality is grim: no significant investments, no groundbreaking initiatives, and no measurable progress in our special economic zones. Instead, we are left with a hefty travel bill and no tangible returns to show for it.

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Having toured many communities across Jamaica, I have seen firsthand the potential in our small businesses, agricultural producers, manufacturers, and logistics hub. Take, for example, a young entrepreneur I met in Portland who produces world-class coffee but struggles to penetrate international markets due to a lack of institutional support. Stories like his are far too common, illustrating how Minister Hill’s “travelling show” has failed to address the core issues on the ground.

ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

Minister Hill’s tenure is plagued by three glaring failures:

1. Policy paralysis

Despite the rhetoric, there are no concrete policy initiatives to reduce the trade deficit or stimulate foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI levels have declined since 2016. Even if we were to only measure pre-COVID, it certainly has failed to recover any momentum. Despite extensive overseas trips marketed as “investment drives”, these efforts have yielded limited tangible results. This lack of robust investment flow calls for a recalibration of strategies to focus less on diplomatic fanfare and more on delivering impactful economic partnerships.

2. Neglect of local industries

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of our economy, continue to face barriers such as limited access to financing and modern technology, outdated infrastructure, and bureaucratic red tape.

3. Missed opportunities in improving traditional and emerging industries

Our traditional industries, like agriculture and manufacturing, are crying out for modernisation, yet they remain underdeveloped. I also remember visiting a cocoa farmer in St Mary who explained how limited access to processing facilities prevented him from exporting value-added products. It is disheartening because this sector is ripe for expansion and could significantly increase our entrepreneurial class while integrating Jamaica into the global value chain. The same can be said for logistics. Our strategic location in the Caribbean is ideal for serving as a hub, yet we have barely scratched the surface of its potential. Yet after nine years, we are told that something will be done!

FLIP SIDE

On the flip side, while the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has provided some short-term wins, it has matured and is now experiencing investment outflows. This signals a clear need to diversify our emerging industries. Why are we not investing in the creative industries, manufacturing, renewable energy, agro-processing, or technology hubs? These are a few sectors uniquely suited to Jamaica’s economic position and have the potential to deliver the medium-term growth we desperately need. By failing to seize these opportunities, we are not just losing out on jobs and export revenues, we are denying future generations the chance to thrive in a more resilient and diversified economy. It is time to be bold, strategic, and forward-thinking in our approach.

For Jamaica to realise its potential as a hub for industrial development and trade, we need robust implementation strategies anchored by unwavering transparency and accountability. Policies on industrial growth, trade facilitation, supply-chain optimisation, and logistics must not only exist on paper but must be actively executed to enhance investment attractiveness. What is more, we need mechanisms to ensure clear and timely reporting on government policies, programmes, and outcomes. Transparency in these processes is essential to inspire investor confidence and public trust.

Take, for example, the resources allocated to overseas trade missions. Every dollar spent must be tied to measurable outcomes such as new foreign direct investment, partnership or expanded market access for Jamaican products. Without clear accountability, these trade missions risk becoming exercises in futility. It’s about showing Jamaicans tangible results: factories built or reopened, export volumes increased, and jobs created. This calls for a culture shift in governance – one where every policy is paired with a comprehensive implementation plan, performance metrics, and regular public updates.

Equally critical is fostering collaboration between the private and public sectors, where accountability is mutual. By building a framework of shared responsibility, we can ensure that investments not only yield financial returns but also contribute to sustainable economic growth. With such a framework in place, Jamaica can chart a course where implementation, transparency, and accountability are not just buzzwords but pillars of a thriving economy.

The Jamaican people deserve leadership that delivers – not just globetrotting ministers with empty speeches. Minister Hill must answer for his failures, but more importantly, we must chart a progressive path forward.

G. Anthony Hylton is the shadow spokesman on industry, investment and global logistics and is member of parliament for St Andrew Western. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.