JLP Mass Rally | ‘Not ready’ - Johnson Smith rejects Golding’s ‘rescue’ claim

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has dismissed Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s pledge to “rescue” Jamaica from the Andrew Holness-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the upcoming general election.

Speaking at a JLP rally in Half-Way Tree on Sunday, Johnson Smith challenged Golding’s message, questioning whether he intended to reverse the government’s record on avoiding new taxes over the past eight years.

“Is he going to rescue us from eight years of no new taxes?” she asked, while pointing to the administration’s work in land titling, crime management, and socioeconomic development.

“Is he going to rescue us with $60 billion of taxes like the last PNP levied? Is he going to rescue us with another FINSAC? … We need to tell them that they are not ready,” she said.

Johnson Smith also used her remarks from the platform to reinforce the JLP's commitment to doing more for Jamaicans, emphasising that the party is not just talk, but has a track record of accomplishments over its two terms in power.

"As a party we have been doing the work under the leadership of the most honourable Dr Andrew Holness and we have been delivering results to Jamaica from east to west, and north to south," she charged, describing the JLP as a party of performance, kept promises, and one that embraces substance over hype. She pointed voters to the JLP's recently published Record of Achievement booklet as evidence of 256 achievements under the JLP's administration.

Despite the many challenges that have greeted the Andrew Holness-Administration, international organisations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Development Bank, the World Bank, and the United Nations have increased respect for Jamaica's leadership, Johnson Smith said.

She also cited achievements in education and housing that she said the JLP has pioneered, adding that it is the JLP that has rescued Jamaica from "destructive politics".

"We need leadership that is serious about you and your family, responsible leadership that doesn't believe that you have to pull down somebody in order for you to rise. Leadership that knows the weight of the job and has steady trusted hands."

Earlier, Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, the MP for St Andrew West Rural, defended Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ character, saying he is “a respectful man” with “deep love for the people of Jamaica.”

The Jamaica Labour Party representative contrasted him with Golding, accusing Golding of speaking to Jamaicans in a condescending manner. "Our prime minister comes to us with a clean hand, clean heart and a clear mind...," she said.

The Opposition PNP has claimed that Holness is "unqualified" to run for office because his 2021 income filings remain uncertified by the Integrity Commission, which he is suing in court.

Holness, who is the main speaker for the rally, has confirmed that he will be announcing the date for the general election at the event.

- Corey Robinson and Jovan Johnson

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