JFJ gives Holness nine out of 10 in year-one assesment

Sherine Williams, Gleaner Writer

Executive Director Of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) Horace Levy has given Prime Minister Andrew Holness nine out of 10, saying the prime minister listened well to civil society during his first year in government.

Levy says Holness has shunned harsh policing as a measure to reduce Jamaica's crime problem and is instead focusing on reducing the social problems that cause crimes.

Levy also commended the Andrew Holness administration for continuing the economic policies implemented under the previous People's National Party (PNP) administration.

He says Jamaica should allow the prime minister to focus on building the economy and reducing crime before fulfilling political promises such as setting term limits for prime ministers and fixed election dates.

Yesterday, the PNP expressed disappointment in the Holness administration which it said failed to deliver most of its election promises within its first year in office.

In its assessment of the one-year anniversary of the JLP administration, the PNP said the government's $1.5 million tax break package was one of the biggest scams Jamaica has seen.

The PNP said the government will be introducing some $16 billion in new taxes to fund the second phase of the tax break.

The PNP also took issue with the government's failure to increase the minimum wage and scolded the government for its implementation of the $800-million de-bushing programme ahead of the local government election in November.