Newsmaker: Williams’ ‘$2,000 ProBox comment’; Messi-Mania at stadium

This week's overall featured developments as Newsmaker of the Week are two significant incidents that piqued public interest nationally, which were Finance Minister Fayval Williams' comment on saving $2,000 per month for three years as down payment to eventually purchase a Toyota ProBox motorcar, and the arrival and on-field heroics of Argentina's soccer legend Lionel Messi in Jamaica and at the National Stadium.

Both developments have sparked intense debate and discussions locally for various reasons.

On the arrival of Messi in the island and the subsequent football match, some Jamaicans have been critical of the lack of loyalty and support to the local football club Cavalier, which played against the Argentine's Inter Miami club.

In relation to Williams' proposal for saving money obtained from the increased income tax threshold towards the ProBox motorcar, some Jamaicans have pointed to it being unrealistic.

 The minister announced while opening the Budget Debate on Tuesday, that the income tax threshold would be increased to $2 million over a three-year period. The threshold is to move to $1.8 million come April 1, 2025, then to $1.9 million a year later, and $2 million the following year.

Fayval Williams

During her subsequent appearance on TVJ's 'All Angles' programme, Williams suggested that employees could save $2,000 per month from the increased income tax threshold, amounting to $72,000 after three years, which could be used as a part payment on a ProBox.

The host of the programme, Dionne Jackson Miller, asked Williams if she was talking about a "20-year-old ProBox".

Responded Williams: "Yeah, a little ProBox... A nice little car".

However, the minister's overall comment was widely met with ridicule and criticisms.

Other persons, however, have rushed to support Williams by arguing that she was simply giving an example, and never stated that $72,000 could be solely used to purchase a ProBox vehicle.

"The finance minister was just using a 'figure of speech'. When you listen carefully, what she said: 'Let's use $2,000 a month (as an example)'," a man wrote on Facebook.

"Everybody who save money from their salaries, whether minimum wage or above, and buy what they want, must understand her," he added.

"When I was in the workforce I used to save 50 per cent of every increase by automatic deduction when it hit my bank account. I did this for years and it served me well. Mrs Williams was just giving an example," another man stated.

In response, a woman wrote: "Nobody is arguing about the fruitfulness behind saving.

"The example used by Fayval is unhinged and unreliable in the context, because a good ProBox is way over a million dollars. If she had said the extra $2,000 can help start a small business over time, then everyone would (probably) agree," the woman claimed.

On Instagram, a user asked: "Approximately $72,000 in three years amidst the hefty bank fees and likkle bit a interest?

"She's (Williams) so far removed from the realities of the citizens 'bout ProBox."

Said a man: "Aunty Fay(val) just tell me where u go see the probox them so cheap 'cause mi wudda grab one now."

Shared a female Instagram user: "A $2,000 increase (is) nothing, and suggesting that people can save it up to buy a ProBox is not only unrealistic, but also shows a lack of understanding and care for how people are surviving day to day."

In response, a woman said: "Not only that, every week you go supermarket something raise. She (Williams) irritate my spirit, talking all this nonsense."

But another man came to the defence of Williams, stating, "Jamaicans are very illiterate, because Fayval used an example, and the TV host also is (was) being disingenuous.

"People can use the savings from that same $2,000 for a year, for example, and invest in the stock market or forex (trading) market, and in no time you get your ProBox or house. People need to stop being so clueless," the man opined.

Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson, during his contribution to the 2025-2026 Budget Debate on Thursday, questioned Williams about her remarks relative to the motor vehicle in question.

Julian Robinson (file photo)

"Mr Speaker, on my way here, from last night, my constituents have been inundating me, from last night until today (Thursday). They've asked me to ask you, minister (Williams); they want to know where they can get the ProBox that cost $2,000 per month, that if you put it aside (for three years), where you can find that ProBox... Because they say they want that ProBox, that when you put aside $2,000 per month... you can pay down on that ProBox," he said.

Robinson's comments were met with laughter from Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), highlighting the widespread scepticism about the minister's suggestion.

Economist Keenan Falconer also weighed in on the issue in an interview with local reporters last week, stating, "The overall principle upon which increases in the income tax threshold are based is that consumers make decisions at the margin.

"Now, what I mean by that is if I go to the supermarkets and I see an item for let's say $800, and then I see the same item for around $770, I'm going to take the one that costs $770 even if it might take me a little… longer to look for it."

He stated that, “that additional $30 savings" will eventually add up.

"It can do something, but it probably can't do everything; it can't do a lot on its own," he stressed.

Falconer underscored that while the increased income tax threshold may provide some relief, it is essential to shift the conversation towards generating additional wealth, given Jamaica's low salary profile and large informal economy.

He noted that, "We don't generate enough wealth overall, and because of the large size of the informal economy, you're not gonna find that many persons contribute income tax in any event, because Jamaica's salary profile is among the lowest in the Caribbean."

Messi-Mania takes over

Meanwhile, the arrival of Lionel Messi in Jamaica sent fans into a frenzy. The National Stadium in St Andrew was bursting at the seams with enthusiastic supporters eager to personally witness the soccer legend in action.

Messi's Inter Miami team clashed with Jamaica's Cavalier FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with Messi scoring a thrilling goal in the final minute to seal a 2-0 victory over the Jamaican football club on the evening.

However, some social media users criticised fans for flocking to see Messi instead of supporting local teams like Cavalier FC, or the Jamaican national team when they played at the stadium in the past.

Others defended the excitement, arguing that it was a rare opportunity to see a football legend in action.

Football legend Lionel Messi in live and living colour on the ball in the National Stadium on Thursday evening.  

"I get that Messi is everyone's star, but it was a Jamaican side (Cavalier) playing, and to see the whole stadium cheering when Messi scored is (was) a disgrace. No national pride?" a man asked on Instagram.

In response, a woman said: "Messi means a lot to his fans and football. Sit this one out and let people enjoy."

Wrote a man: "Being able to see your icon in person is a great feeling. These are true football fans. Let the people be happy."

Shared a woman: "I'm sure some Cavalier players cheered silently just watching it, so guess what, it's not about selling out a Jamaican team.

"It's about celebrating one of the greatest football moment, having the GOAT (Greatest Of All Times) on our stadium field. So for once let fans be happy," she said.

Still, an Instagram commentator fumed: "Definitely sell out cuz (because) if it was a Jamaica (national team playing a) match, stadium wud neva dat full, trust me."

But another man dismissed that assertion.

"Nothing sell out about this. Messi is loved by most Jamaicans, and for that they went all out. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many. Pretty sure the whole stadium was well entertained," he wrote.

Another commented proudly: "Nah hide an talk... a Messi mi go fi watch, as a lover of football. Call it what you want. Big up Cavalier still."