The economy and Jamaica’s finances will be major factors in the upcoming general election.

The Minister of Finance is the second most important state official in most governments, and what that minister has to say carries considerable weight.

Julian Robinson is the opposition spokesperson on finance, and should his People’s National Party (PNP) win the general election in the next few weeks, he will more than likely replace Fayval Williams as portfolio minister.

Tuesday’s manifesto event was a good presentation, well executed and attended. Passionate speeches were made, and the new generation of PNP ministers in waiting spoke earnestly and with conviction.

But how are they going to pay for it all? What is the plan?

Cue Julian Robinson. This was his moment to show he has the chops for the task at hand, that he has the gravitas and skill set to be Jamaica’s next finance minister.

He didn’t get a mention. Was he even present at the Jamaica Pegasus?

Some have questioned whether Julian Robinson has what it takes to be the minister of finance. There is speculation that if victorious, Peter Bunting will assume that portfolio.

Over the coming weeks, Julian Robinson has to demonstrate to all Jamaicans that he has the right stuff and is not just a stand-in.

As opposition spokesperson on finance, he has done a creditable job and has not been shy in highlighting the Government’s shortcomings.

Fayval Williams may possess more technical experience and competence but Julian Robinson is a better communicator and enjoys good favourability with all.

If he is able to distil pertinent issues and speak on financial matters that directly impact most Jamaicans without losing them in verbiage that only the initiated can understand, he could be an asset to this campaign.

He should have the confidence to go up against Fayval Williams, articulating the message that Jamaicans can and should have more money in their pockets.

Julian Robinson should not be a backseat player. He must be up there with Mark Golding, convincing Jamaicans to trust the PNP and restore them to government.

The thinking may be to push out and rely on the younger, more telegenic PNP stars, Gabriella Morris, Dr. Alfred Dawes, Danishka Williams, Dr Andre Haughton. Experience still counts; you still need to hear from grown-ups. 

The PNP has declared that to keep its promises outlined in its manifesto will cost the country just 10 per cent of the “discretionary fund”. What exactly does that mean? Julian Robinson has some explaining to do here.

As the immediate past minister, Dr Nigel Clarke set Jamaica on a course that would see it reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 60 per cent. Will the PNP maintain that trajectory? Can it commit to not burdening Jamaicans with new taxes? How much money will the PNP spend to address food insecurity?

The PNP is renowned for putting in place transformational social programmes such as the NHT. How will it fund its new slate of social programmes? For the financial year 2025/2026, the Government must find J$163 billion to pay its debt. How will this be addressed?

Julian Robinson should be rigorously interrogated on plans and issues regarding the state’s coffers. He must be heard to provide cogent answers. The math has to add up.