JLP leader Edward Seaga with a copy of his party's manifesto. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer THE OPPOSITION Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) last night re-leased its election manifesto, which promises to "create a brighter future for Jamaicans" through a 10-point pledge covering the economy, education, social services and national security.
Dr. David Panton, chairman of Generation 2000 (G2K), the group of young professionals allied to the party, gave a powerpoint presentation of the manifesto to the scores of persons who turned out at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, for the event.
In its economic reform programmes being offered to voters, the party is promising a tax relief and incentive package to grease the wheels of the island's stagnant economy. Included in this package is the abolition of the estate transfer tax on death and the relief of tax on home mortgages up to the level of the interest being paid by a homeowner.
The party says it will also restructure JAMPRO and the National Investment Bank of Jamaica (NIBJ) to "reduce the level of red tape and increase their ability to attract international investment".
To reverse the growth in unemployment, the JLP says it will launch more than 30 mega-investment projects in various sectors of the economy, including tourism, agriculture and the financial sector. One of these is a dedicated science and technology estate for projects and companies in biotechnology, alternative energy and information technology software development.
Another area of focus in the party's manifesto is the promise of free education for students up to the secondary level. The proposal has already ignited much debate and is shaping up to be a major issue in the election
campaign.
The party is also promising to revise the student loan system for tertiary students to provide them with longer loan repayment periods
at low interest rates.
Housing for poor Jamaicans will be dealt with through a low-cost housing programme, the party has promised. The manifesto also commits the party to the creation of a major inner-city revitalisation project which will replace all slum areas with "proper affordable homes".
Another promise which the party is hoping will hook voters is that of a National Health Insurance plan, providing access to free basic health insurance for the country's poor and needy by 2007.
It is also promising to reintroduce mobile clinics for the elderly and the infirm.
With respect to national security, which has been a major concern for Jamaicans against the background of a high murder rate, the JLP says it will intensify penalties for serious crimes as well as set up a new national intelligence agency to better gather information on criminal activities.
The party says it will also appoint an independent Police Services Commission on a non-political basis to take politics out of the police force and make merit the basis of promotions.
Several sources have been identified by the party to fund the various projects. These include international investments, sale of non-core state enterprises and the issue of tax-free bonds.
