Fnance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke is on the receiving end of commendations on Tuesday’s (March 12), budget presentation from the youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Young Jamaica.

Young Jamaica says the Andrew Holness-led administration has cemented its record of outstanding achievements in economic management and delivering on matters of the people’s best interests.

Areas of commendation include:

1. The increase in the income tax threshold from approx. $1.5 Million to $1.7 Million.
2. ⁠100 per cent increase of the customs duties exemption from $50US to $100US.
3. ⁠The elimination of guarantor requirement for loans from the Student Loan Bureau (SLB).
4. ⁠The grant of $60,000 to 4,200 low-income applicants of the SLB.
5. ⁠The rehabilitation of Fort Rocky and Jam World into entertainment zones.
6. ⁠$2.6 Billion for the delivery of 100 new buses before the start of the new school year.
7. ⁠The introduction of unemployment insurance.
8. The implementation of a reverse tax credit of $20,000 to benefit over 500,000 Jamaicans.

Rohan Walsh, president of Young Jamaica said: “These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment of the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and all of the JLP government. More importantly, the young people of Jamaica can rest easy knowing that the JLP has the plan and actions through quality leadership to make Jamaica more prosperous.”

Young Jamaica further noted that the JLP government’s strategic initiatives in prioritising economic growth, reducing public debt, while championing transparent fiscal responsibility are laudable.

“We must note that these policies and structural improvements will be implemented without the introduction of any new taxes for the seventh (7th) straight consecutive financial year. This JLP administration remains the only government to return money to the pockets of the Jamaican people,” the group added.