Thursday talk

Employees will feel the pinch

1. Some are predicting tough times ahead as they say, as happened the first time around, those in the private sector who will be taking a cut from JDX2, will recoup those losses by silently reducing their workforce. They are predicting wholesale redundancies and layoffs, but all to be done quietly, so it will be the masses who will be bearing the brunt of all the adjustments to come!

Phew!

2. A number of those in the JLP are saying they are happy not to be the Government at this time, as not only are we facing clear and present financial danger, there will be some bitter medicine to administer and better that the PNP administer the medicine and then they come in later to provide the sugar-coated placebo.

Reality monopolised

3. Observers say it's like monopoly - you get a 'get out of jail' card. The only difference being this time the player did not have to go to jail and the monies paid were the equivalent of the card.

PM must make big-time shuffle

4. Some political pundits are saying the prime minister should take a leaf out of Opposition Leader Andrew Holness' book and shuffle not only her deck of ministers, but go further by shuffling her deck of advisers and some of the supposed technocrats and civil servants. They say, until she does, there will be no meaningful change to positively impact on the life of her support base and the country on a whole, as some of those entrusted with policy direction and implementation have demonstrated a lack of understanding of their portfolio responsibilities and/or the political unwillingness to move forward.

Negril, no problem

5. Stories going around town that the Negril development is in trouble are being attributed to dirty tricks by the competition. Word is everything is in place for an on-time completion and handover to purchasers!

Violations abound

6. Word is no official approval was given for the building of the 'Great Wall'. Some say no surprises here, however, as there were instances in the past where the approval given was used to contravene all known and accepted building codes and permits and nothing was done to correct the violations because of the relationship between the 'violater' and the Government. They say now that there has been a change in the status quo, they hope it will be treated differently.

Ain't seen nothin' yet

7. Quote of the Week: "If you think things were bad before the new announced tax measures, wait til they kick in."