Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged Jamaicans not to be swayed by a mindset he refers to as ‘PNP-ism’; the belief that the People’s Nation Party (PNP) prefers borrowing over organically building the country.

At a recent Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) rally, Holness shared his opinion of the Opposition’s affinity toward “Freeness”, stating:

“There’s a mindset I call ‘PNP-ism’; the belief that you should get things without working for them, a ‘freeness’ mentality. It’s this thinking that’s held Jamaica back, focused more on handouts than on building wealth,” he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that PNP-ism breeds entitlement and “badmind” instead of one of meritocracy where the country will win based on its labour and performance on a macro-level.

“PNP-ism says the economy doesn’t matter; just keep borrowing to pay for roads, housing, and education. That approach has left us in debt for decades. And with land, it’s “Just go squat”—but that means no water, no road, no title.” he added. “I believe every Jamaican deserves land and a home—not just somewhere to squat, but something you truly own, with a title in hand. That’s the vision we’re building: a Jamaica where we earn, own, and grow together.”

Holness noted that most of the problems Jamaica faces can be traced back to the mismanagement of the PNP, stating that the PNP-ism does not value a growing economy and that they believe “the economy ah foolishness…[since] economy can’t nyam (eat).”

Mark Golding’s approval ratings have risen, according to political pollster Don Anderson. Holness has an unfavourable opinion rating of 39.9 per cent, while Golding’s is at 25.8 per cent.

As the country approaches the election, both parties are firm on who is better equipped to lead the country.