Building a Better Jamaica

April 30, 2009

Generation 2000, G2K, the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party in a release today gave a “thumbs down” to Opposition Leader the Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller’s budget presentation in Gordon House this afternoon.

G2K stated that the presentation was “pitchy patchy”, lacking in substance and grossly non-developmental. They argued that in a time of very severe economic and social challenges little attempt was made by the Opposition Leader to better project or inform the nation as to truly viable alternatives to the Government’s budget.

Instead, G2K stated, the Opposition Leader wasted valuable time promulgating stories, and pleas for compassion and mercy. Further the Opposition Leader was again unwilling to accept that the failed macro-economic policies, mismanagement, rampant corruption and profligacy that existed under the eighteen and half years reign of previous PNP administrations severely constrains the Government’s ability to today effectively respond to the global economic crisis.

This, G2K, said reinforces the need for Simpson-Miller and the PNP to immediately move to reforming its thought processes and by extension policy formulations. Following this the Opposition Leader and the PNP must commit to working with the Government and civil society in bringing about a truly beneficial social partnership.

The organization again implored that a spirit of reasonableness and analysis be pursued in the continuing budget debate and that avenues for dialogue and consensus –building be fully exploited.

Finally, G2K, cherishes the legacy of Marcus Mosiah Garvey and finds that all the lessons expressed by him were worthwhile and instrumental to the growth and prosperity of the Jamaican people.