(WiredJA)- Jamaica’s economy isn’t merely stagnant—it’s actively regressing while the government stands by without a credible recovery plan, Opposition Spokesperson Anthony Hylton declared in a blistering parliamentary address Tuesday that called for a complete economic reset.
“Jamaicans deserve more than political theatre,” Hylton thundered during his May 6 Sectoral Debate presentation. “They deserve a forward-looking economic strategy rooted in resilience, growth and inclusion, not another cycle of flashy headlines and electioneering.”
After nine years of Jamaica Labour Party leadership, the country faces its first annual economic contraction since the pandemic, with a 0.9% decline in 2024. More troubling is the sustained nature of this downturn—back-to-back quarterly contractions of 3.3% in Q3 followed by 0.8% in Q4.
“This isn’t just economic turbulence,” Hylton warned. “It should ring alarm bells in the consciousness of every policymaker, business owner and Jamaican family.”
The decline cuts across virtually every sector. Agriculture plummeted 10.6%, following a previous quarter’s 12.5% drop. Mining collapsed further with a 2.3% decline after an already devastating 17.4% fall. Manufacturing shrank by 0.5%, construction by 2.7%, and utilities by 1.4%. Even tourism—long the economy’s silver lining—contracted by 0.3%.
“A nation that does not grow is a nation that stagnates,” Hylton said, “And a nation that stagnates cannot feed its people, protect its future or compete globally.”
This economic deterioration, he argued, stems directly from government paralysis and strategic malpractice. The administration failed to stimulate local production or implement cohesive growth policies. Investment in value-added agriculture never materialized. Innovation in manufacturing remained a distant dream. Strategic support for micro, small and medium enterprises evaporated, while attempts to build a globally competitive national brand faltered.
Jamaica requires more than cosmetic fixes or public relations campaigns, Hylton insisted. The moment demands comprehensive modernization focused on high-potential sectors, robust MSME support, and bold industrial transformation aligned with global economic realities.
“The economic contraction of 2024 should be a wake-up call,” he stated. “But more than that, it should be a call to action. It demands new leadership. It demands a bold, future-ready vision. It demands Jamaica 4.0: Global Logistics Hub Implemented.”
Hylton pledged the People’s National Party’s commitment to collaborate with private sector and civil society stakeholders to craft this vision and deliver tangible results for Jamaicans who have waited too long for economic revival.
