Economist Dr Damien King is raising concerns about Government’s decision to partner with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) on developing a model through which the quick service industry may be able to operate during curfew hours.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced on Sunday (February 28) that the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily curfews would be extended until March 23, meaning continue strain on operators of late night service such as fast food outlets, restaurants and cook shops.

King, who is also executive director of the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, suggested that any involvement of the PSOJ in making decisions on adjustments to the curfew policy could be biased towards its member organisations over the welfare of the nation.

‘BIG BIZ CLUB’

Commenting on the announcement on Twitter Monday evening (March 1), King said: “The cosy relationship between the govt (under all administrations) and the Private Sector Organisation is always a worry.”

He added: “The PSOJ does not reflect the private sector. It’s a big biz club. When its members get privileged access to shaping policy, that policy will never harm them.”

Addressing the nation during a media briefing Sunday, Holness had noted that businesses have found innovative ways to serve the public through the growth of the delivery economy.

This, he said, was evidenced by the emergence of several online malls and food delivery apps.

“I had a presentation from the PSOJ a few nights ago which showed how delivery could be done. So, we have a subcommittee of Cabinet looking at how we could implement it. We have agreed that we will test it in a geographical area, and as soon as those details are refined, we will bring that solution to the country,” Holness had said.

The prime minister said the move was Government’s attempt to keep production going during the curfew hours.

“In doing a balancing act of controlling the spread of the virus and maintaining production, we recognise businesses in the quick service industry, such as restaurants, are finding it very difficult. I note that the restaurant industry does not only include established stores, but also small businesses like the pan chicken man on Red Hills road, in Liguanea and in Olympic Way, they are a part of that quick service industry,” Holness said.

He noted that the quick service industry employs a significant number of Jamaicans and contributes to the income of many households. He added that, with the curfew in place, the loss of income in the sector was significant.

GOV’T, PSOJ PROMISE ALL-INCLUSIVE MODEL

In the meantime, the prime minister said the Government and the PSOJ were working to ensure that the agreed model was inclusive and open to all, including the pan chicken vendor.

“It is not beyond the Government to find solutions to the emergence of the delivery economy as businesses migrate online. The question for the Government is how we facilitate delivery during curfew hours. Many issues would have to be resolved, like the question of equity and how do we facilitate the pan chicken man,” said Holness.