Prime Minister Andrew Holness has acknowledged the frustration many Jamaicans now feel about the high cost of living, but has emphasised that the country is doing a good job with its economy, considering the inflationary challenges.
"I want you to know that the Government hears the anger, and we have been doing, if I say so myself, quite a good job, given our circumstances, and we have been doing quite a good job compared to other countries which have more resources than us, to bring stability back into our economy," Holness declared.
He was addressing the fifth staging of the National Day of Prayer and the 19th staging of the Heal the Family, Heal the Nation annual gathering at the National Arena in St Andrew last week.
Holness attributed the current inflation challenges to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said disrupted global supply systems that "have not yet been corrected to pre-2019 circumstances".
He also said natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can impact agricultural production, leading to scarcity and price increases.
Despite these challenges, the prime minister assured that the Government remains committed to making life easier for households.
He encouraged Jamaicans to adopt a positive mindset, urging them to "count your blessings" and "maintain a positive attitude".
Holness urged the audience to consider the regional and global context, citing examples from Canada and Trinidad.
"Things are tough, but I want you take a positive view, a hopeful view, not just reflect on yourselves, but I also want you to reflect on the regional and global situation.
"If you think things hard in Jamaica, check Canada and hear what they are saying. If you think crime bad in Jamaica, check Trinidad and hear what they saying," Holness pointed out.
In reflecting on Jamaica's own circumstances, Holness reiterated that the island faces challenges.
"I want you to appreciate, 'Yes, it rough here', not going to deny that, but count your blessings.
"God has been good to us. Give God thanks. Thanks for the little that we have. Maintain a positive attitude, meet life with an open arm, (and) positive outlook.
"The glass is not half empty, it is only half empty when you're looking down to the bottom. For us the glass must always be half full when we're looking up to the Lord," Holness stated.
