As Jamaica approaches 61 years of Independence, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has zoomed in on the progress made under his administration to bring about economic stability.

The prime minister, who was speaking at the Governor-General Independence Reception on Thursday, July 27, reflected on the country’s economic struggles in former years as he pointed to the current achievements.

“For decades, we have struggled with high debt. For decades, we were not able to make investments in our infrastructure. For decades, we struggled to start the process of proper compensation. Now, for the first time in a long time, maybe 50 years, we are at that point where we can programme and schedule with great certainty our investments in infrastructure and we can make meaningful steps towards proper compensation,” Holness said.

The prime minister stressed that the ability to invest in infrastructure and the move towards proper compensation for the public sector workforce are major achievements citizens should celebrate.

“As we reflect on our Independence, I want us to be hopeful, I want us to think positively, I want us to keep faith that Jamaica will fulfil its true potential of being a country that can provide prosperity to our citizens. That Jamaica will be a country that will be able to provide justice for all its people, that Jamaica will be a country that will be able to provide full education for all its people, proper healthcare for all its people and we will be able to do this because we have now started on the pathway of good economic management of our country,” he said.

Holness also noted that the Jamaican economy is recovering well from the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

But Opposition spokesman on industry, investment and commerce, Anthony Hylton, who was also in attendance, noted said that as Jamaica approaches its 61st year of Independence, it represents an opportunity to observe and celebrate rather than evaluate the country’s progress.

“Time marches on and so we observe tonight the 61st anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence. Tonight is neither the place nor the time to evaluate our progress over those years, but represents an opportunity to observe and celebrate. Celebration is always good for us as a people as it promotes the unity of purpose and enhances our patriotic sentiments. Jamaicans need a spirit of patriotism to foster our development as a nation which has significantly impacted global affairs in 61 short years,” he said.

Hylton also highlighted Jamaica’s track and field excellence and cultural heritage, which have placed the country on the global stage.

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