JCC Urges JLP, PNP, to Provide Clear Details on Manifesto Promises

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, JCC, is calling on both political parties to provide clear and detailed explanations of their major manifesto promises.

The JCC says particular attention must be given to promises involving tax cuts, increased expenditure, and economic growth plans.

Robian Williams reports.

The governing Jamaica Labour Party has proposed to reduce the income tax rate from 25 percent to 15 percent if it wins the September 3 general election.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams says the JLP’s plan to reduce the income tax base rate will cost between $25 and $30 billion.

Meanwhile, the People’s National Party is promising to raise the income tax threshold to $3.5 million effective April 2026, if it forms the next government.

Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson, says the PNP’s plan to increase the income tax threshold will bast between $55 and $60 billion.

The JCC says while campaign promises are expected, Jamaica’s hard-won fiscal stability must not be placed at risk.

It argues that citizens deserve to know how proposed policies will be financed, phased, and executed without jeopardizing the economic progress achieved over the last decade.

Business leaders and members of the Chamber say critical questions remain unanswered, including:

What discretionary or capital spending will be reduced, cut, or deferred to fund the proposed income tax benefits?

Which commitments will be prioritised in the first budget, and which will be delayed?

Why is Jamaica projected to grow by only one percent, and what strategies will be used to accelerate growth?

What concrete steps will be taken to boost GDP and improve competitiveness in key sectors?

What is the long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive growth, and how does it differ from past approaches?

The JCC is urging both parties to engage voters with transparency and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that promises are not only ambitious but also credible, measurable, and aligned with Jamaica’s long-term economic stability.

Similar concerns have been expressed by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, PSOJ.

In a statement earlier this week, the PSOJ says the parties must publish the five year revenue impacts and financing measures.

It also noted that both parties must disclose the sequencing and start dates for their plans, as well as the debt and primary balance implications.