US-based J’cans hail JLP win

Members of the Jamaican diaspora in the United States have welcomed the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) re-election victory in yesterday’s general election, expressing hope that the Andrew Holness-led administration will stay true to its promises and continue the country’s progress.

They noted that throughout the campaign, the JLP committed to maintaining its economic policies, which it credited with driving growth, lowering unemployment, and keeping the cost of living in check.

Sherry Southe, in hailing the win, said Jamaicans abroad are celebrating because it represents “continuity, stability, and trust in a government that has delivered real results”.

“Citizens are happy that the JLP have been given another mandate to build on its achievements – growing the economy, creating jobs, providing infrastructure and expanding opportunities for families and young people,” she told The Gleaner.

Southe stressed that the victory is more than political.

“The JLP has demonstrated a strong track record of economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development. Jamaicans are proud to endorse a government that continue to prioritize stability, opportunity and inclusiveness,” she said.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Southe said the Holness administration must move swiftly to strengthen healthcare, improve education, create more opportunities for youth, and build safer communities.

“This victory says that the citizens are optimistic that the government will govern with fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that all Jamaicans – regardless of background – benefit from the nation’s progress,” she added.

Dr Allan Cunningham, community leader and educator, said the result gives Holness the chance to continue his “prosperity agenda.”

“The PNP must understand that what the Jamaican people want is leadership, and it shows that the Jamaican public does not place emphasis on corruption but on economic progress,” he told The Gleaner.

‘Confidence’ in PM

He urged the government to press ahead with upgrading healthcare, education, roads, and water systems.

“The Jamaican people have continued to place its confidence in the prime minister and his government, and he needs to step up to meet the expected expectations,” Cunningham said.

Patrick Cullum, president of Generation 2000’s (G2K) New York chapter, described the win as a “great victory” for the JLP.

“I believe that for the last nine years the government has kept the economy strong, overseen a lot of development that meet international standards and lower unemployment and the people have rewarded the government for such progress,” he said.

Cullum added that with the government’s policies, he expects the economy to grow by about 2.5 per cent in the coming years.

“The economic programme is on track, infrastructure is ongoing, progress is being made, so the Jamaican people have rewarded the government with a third term,” he said.

Donna McLeod, former Georgia state representative, also welcomed the win.

“The people have continued their faith in a leader to has pursued policies that have strengthen the economy, created jobs and reduce crime,” she said.

McLeod argued that Jamaica has made “progress by leaps and bounds” over the past decade and must now focus on people-centred policies.

“The focus must be on the people and the implementation of policies that will get them where they need to be,” she said.

She praised the smooth staging of the elections as proof of Jamaica’s democratic maturity and urged the continued expansion of Brand Jamaica to make citizens at home and abroad proud.

For Dannett Davis, owner of a childcare agency in Spring Valley, Rockland County, the JLP’s win is a mandate to stay the course.

“The prime minister has done well and the people want him to continue on the present path,” she said.

editorial@gleanerjm.com