PSOJ And JMEA Reaction to Salary Increase

The Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, PSOJ, and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, JMEA, are calling for accountability and transparency in relation to the salary matter. 

The groups are imploring the government to take immediate action in implementing measures that will reassure citizens of their commitment to good governance and improved productivity.  In a release issued on Thursday, the PSOJ and JMEA stated, that while they do not object to the new salary increase, they do believe there has been a lack of communication with the public on the justification for these pay hikes when sections of the population have been plagued by the effects of high inflation and many years of low economic growth. 

The PSOJ and JMEA say given the massive salary increases, the public will now be expecting a significant improvement in the performance of its recipients. They are urging members of the public to utilize the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) to track the performance of elected officials, as these tools will ensure transparency in the political process.

In an interview with JMEA President John Mahfood, he says there should be clear criteria by which parliamentarians are regularly evaluated for their performance. He says the lack of education surrounding the increases, is a natural source of anger for much of the public.

However, President Mahfood is in agreement with Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke’s statement that the salary increase is strategically important in attracting brilliant minds.

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