Why I Support the People’s National Party: Reflections on the 2025/2026 Budget Presentation
It’s no secret that I believe the People’s National Party (PNP) has always been the party of forward-thinking ideas and people-centered policies—ones designed to uplift the vast majority of Jamaicans, not just a privileged few. Throughout my personal and professional journey in politics, that belief has only grown stronger. Today, I am proud to stand publicly and purposefully as a political representative for the PNP.
As the PNP’s Member of Parliament candidate for West Rural St. Andrew (WRSA), I attended the sitting of Parliament on March 13, 2025, to listen to Comrade Julian Jay Robinson—Member of Parliament for South East St. Andrew and Opposition Spokesman on Finance and the Public Service—deliver his contribution to the 2025/2026 Budget Debate.
Unsurprisingly, many of the points raised in his presentation resonated deeply with me. They reflected not only the values I hold dear but also the real issues and solutions I envision for the people of West Rural St. Andrew. Below are just a few of the key takeaways that stood out to me:
“A Better Economy for All” – My Takeaways
1. Cost-Effective Resources for the Vulnerable
Comrade Julian highlighted several bold and necessary economic policies from the PNP—policies aimed at national development through the empowerment of our most creative, underserved, and under-resourced citizens.
A standout among them is the EASE Programme for education. EASE is designed to ease the financial burden on parents and address the country’s underperforming education sector. One of its core promises? Every needy child in Jamaica will receive at least one nutritious meal per day. As Comrade Julian declared: “Send your child to school, and we will ensure they eat.”
This initiative shows the heart of our party’s values. Like many of the solutions I’ve outlined for WRSA, EASE is a shining example of what people-first, community-driven leadership looks like in action.
2. Recognizing Education as the Foundation of Jamaica’s Future
Another powerful element of EASE (which is just one component of the PNP’s broader FOUR-E strategy) is its emphasis on education as the cornerstone of our national development.
As Comrade Julian rightly said during his presentation: “The ability to read, write, and do basic arithmetic is the foundation of productivity in any modern economy.” The PNP’s goal is clear: ensure that every Jamaican child leaves primary school fully literate and numerate.
Without a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, no amount of investment in STEM or industry will yield true, sustainable success. As someone who understands policy execution and development both here in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, I know that getting the basics right is non-negotiable.
3. Equal Access to the Best Opportunities
While the introduction of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education is a step forward, limiting access to only six select schools risks creating more inequality—not less.
Comrade Julian made a compelling case for the democratization of opportunity. If we are serious about development, then all our students must have the tools to excel. That means ensuring STEAM programmes are introduced across all schools, not just a privileged few.
In line with this, the PNP is also committed to aligning educational outcomes with the actual needs of Jamaica’s industries—beginning with prioritizing literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking at the foundational level.
Final Thoughts
From my own successes at the National Works Agency and in other regional political roles, I can say without hesitation: Effective policy—when well-executed—can transform lives.
That’s why I am proud to be a part of the People’s National Party. With leaders like Comrade Julian Jay Robinson and a platform of progressive, inclusive, and practical policies, the PNP is ready to lead Jamaica into a brighter future.
And I am ready to lead alongside them—as a servant leader for West Rural St. Andrew and an advocate for policies that uplift all Jamaicans.
If you missed Comrade Julian Jay Robinson’s budget presentation, I encourage you to download the full speech from his official website [click here].
