JMEA Calls For Election Campaigning To Go On Lockdown

KINGSTON, Jamaica: The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) is urging the two political parties to desist from all physical campaigning with immediate effect. This should be mandated through the Disaster Risk Management Act.

As a country, we have made months of sacrifice and showede arly signs of recovery from the effects of the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jamaica and our people cannot afford a major lockdown. If our people are not disciplined enough to abide by the protocols, then our leaders must do what is right for the country,finding the balance between lives and livelihoods.

JMEA notes the increasing difficulty in enforcing the protocols. Embarking on our usual style of ‘old school’ political campaigning will place added pressure on our key front-line workers and infrastructure.

Our economy has begun to show signs of rebound and it is therefore, counter productive to place the country into a position where those gains will now be eroded. It is estimated that Jamaica will suffer a 12 to 14 percent decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the April to June quarter of 2020.Another such quarter would be devastating for the economy and our people.

As we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic a consistent, effective, and transparent enforcement of the stipulated COVID-19 protocols is paramount.If we are to have a strong recovery,then all of us including our political leaders must do what is right for the sake of the nation and the people.