#BudgetDebate2025: Robinson lashes JLP over ‘low-wage, low growth’
Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson has accused the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government of persisting with economic policies “that have done little in lifting Jamaica out of a low-wage, low-tech, low-productivity, and ultimately low-growth economic model”.
“The fact is that, if all we do is tinker around the edges, which this Government continues to do, our economy will remain stagnant—trapped in a low-value-added, low-income system that simply cannot deliver a better quality of life for the majority of the Jamaican people,” Robinson added.
He made the remarks on Thursday during his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives.
He remarked that “low productivity remains one of our biggest obstacles to growth”.
“Without serious investment in skills training, innovation, and modern infrastructure, we will never break free from this cycle of mediocrity,” Robinson added.
He said Tuesday’s opening budget presentation from the Finance Minister Fayval Williams was more of the same old approach that has left Jamaica stuck in low growth and high hardship.
“We heard no serious, coordinated strategy to grow the economy and no aggressive push to improve productivity. Instead, it was more tinkering around the edges while Jamaicans continue to struggle. This government is clearly out of ideas and out of time,” he declared.