Holness cites citizens’ role in nation’s economic development

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has told Jamaicans that they have a crucial role to play in ensuring that they have a Government that continues to grow the economy.

Holness made the declaration in the seeming context that a general election is due by September of next year.

The occasion of his statement was at a ceremony last week where he broke ground for the Spicy Grove Infrastructure Works project in St Mary, which is to see the implementation of roadways, water infrastructure, electricity and land titling in that community.

The project, said Holness, will serve as a prime example of economic growth's impact on infrastructural development nationally.

"I want you to understand where we are as a country and your role in it; and your role is to ensure that you have a Government that creates an economy," Holness declared.

"There is nothing that can happen, (and) there is nothing that you want to be fulfilled without an economy to do it. All of you better realise that!" he indicated.

While noting that there will be other issues affecting the country, Holness explained that economic stability is the backbone of development, citing essential services like roads, water, hospitals and schools.

"... If the things that we want to achieve; your roads, your water, your hospital, your school, everything that you want; if you don't have a good economy, you won't achieve it," he stated.

The prime minister also highlighted the Government's efforts to refurbish schools, which he said were made possible by a strong economy.

"Not only did we come to tell you that say we are fixing your roads, your water, and everything, but your Member of Parliament (MP) could also say that, 'The school that I gather the principal fell through the roof, a teacher fell through the flooring, that school is going to be totally refurbished'.

"How are we able to do that? The economy, never forget that point!" Holness stressed.