‘Only a Few People Prospering’ – Paulwell Says Economy is in Decline

Opposition Spokesman on Energy, Phillip Paulwell, says though promises will be made by the government, the economy is declining.

He was speaking at a PNP rally in North West Clarendon on Thursday.

While speaking on Nationwide This Morning on Wednesday, Finance Minister, Fayval Williams, disclosed that data to be released by the Planning Institute of Jamaica, PIOJ, later this month, will show that the economy declined in the December quarter last year

But according to Minister Williams, despite two consecutive quarters of decline in gross domestic product, GDP, satisfying the textbook definition of a recession, this should not be interpreted as a true gauge of the health of the economy.

Minister Williams added that the low levels of unemployment complemented by positive business and consumer confidence point to an economy that is shaking off the effects of a severe weather event last year.

However, speaking at the rally on Thursday, Mr., Paulwell says there are thousands of Jamaicans who have stopped seeking a job.

Meanwhile, Paulwell says one of the reasons citizens are having a hard time is due to the increase in electricity bills.

Phillip Paulwell, Opposition Spokesman on Energy.