Watch it! Private sector concerned about political rhetoric

CLAIMING THAT their intention is to nip in the bud, the possibility of political rhetoric injuring the economy, the private sector representatives on the Partnership for Transformation on Wednesday cautioned the country's political parties about hurting the economy.

Brian Pengelley, president, Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA), told The Gleaner on Wednesday that the call has not been motivated by any particular statement made on the campaign trail.

"We just get the sense that the rhetoric is increasing and we want to make sure that when people are speaking they are cognisant of the bigger picture which is, any implication of what they are saying may have on the economy," Pengelley said.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the private-sector representatives said then were "concerned and disappointed by recent controversial statements from both sides that could have dire consequences for the country by creating an environment of uncertainty and instability.

"Jamaica cannot afford any destabilisation of the economy at this time, and we therefore call upon our political leaders to act responsibly and with due caution during this period of party political campaigning," the statement said.

The group comprises the JMA, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Jamaica Exporters Association, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the MSME Alliance.

Pengelley told The Gleaner that a member of his association recently telephoned him to express a serious concern. He said the member was negotiating "a very large line of credit for an investment he is making here.

"He was very concerned that any statement being made would influence the financial institution he is dealing with to have caution in processing the investment he is trying to make," Pengelley said.

Dr Peter Phillips, campaign director for the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) and spokesman on finance, is in agreement with the private-sector representatives.

"No one should say anything reckless," Dr Phillips said.

"In relation to the economy, we are best assisted as a country in having full transparency, and we have not had a transparent discussions about the choices and the economic issues that are confronting the country," he added.

He said the PNP "will be responsible in every way".

The PNP has been questioning the country's position in relation to its standby agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

In the meantime, Aundre Franklin, general secretary of the governing Jamaica Labour Party, said the party "accepts, recognises and endorses the position of the private sector representatives".

"I would like to remind all political practitioners that while we embark on a period of campaigning, we need to raise the bar to a level of issue-based campaign," he said.

Franklin added that "personal attacks and jabs must be minimised in the interest of the development of the country".

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com