After some delay, the People's National Party finally published its election manifesto last Thursday it is wordy and bears signs of haste, it nonetheless is a worthwhile document. The two most significant parts of the manifesto have to do with economic and educational policy. At the same time, the part on crime - the most severe issue facing the country - is surprisingly inadequate.

The section on economic policy bears the stamp of the current Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Davies. It emphasises to the extreme the importance of macroeconomic stability and makes a strong commitment to increasing the primary surplus - critical for debt reduction. It puts the elimination of the fiscal deficit at the very centre of economic policy. It is blunt about "containing government expenditure" which is simply financial code for minimal social expenditure. This is 'not-changing-course' with a vengeance. One wonders to what extent other members of the PNP leadership understand the full social and other implications of the Davies' line.

Be that as it may, the PNP's economic strategy differs from that of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) both stress macroeconomic stability. The PNP document gives the impression that once we get the prices right, GDP growth will simply happen. Yes, it does speak vaguely about "offering incentives to simulate production" but this is a sideshow. There is a touching faith in the market here - the vision is that it shall fix all. Given the current meltdown on the global financial markets- full of ominous implications for the Jamaican economy - one may wonder if this is not an unwise view, soon to be overtaken by events.

While we do not question the wisdom of market-based solutions, in this crucial area, the JLP manifesto seems less unbalanced. While emphasising macroeconomic stability, the JLP has a growth-oriented vision which envisages a more active role for the State in promoting economic development.

There are also important differences in educational strategy. Belatedly, the PNP seems to have awakened - after 18 years - to the crisis of our youth and places literacy and skills development at the centre of its agenda. This is to be applauded this is clearly a work-in-progress which needs much more thought and public discussion.

In any event, both manifestos provide much food for thought. It is now over to civil society to examine the proposals and to make an informed political choice, whatever that choice may be.

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