JAMAICA | PNP MP Antony Hylton slams JLP's Minister Aubyn Hill over lack of economic progress

KINGSTON, Jamaica, January 2, 2025 -  - In a blistering critique that has intensified the debate over Jamaica's economic future, Opposition Spokesman Anthony Hylton has accused Industry Minister Aubyn Hill of substituting globe-trotting for genuine economic progress, demanding accountability for what he calls a pattern of "costly international jaunts" that have yielded minimal returns for the nation.

The confrontation, sparked by Minister Hill's recent article "Tony Hylton is Searching for Relevance," has escalated into a broader dispute over Jamaica's economic trajectory and the effectiveness of the current administration's investment strategies.

"Minister Hill chose to respond with ad hominem attacks rather than engage with the facts," Hylton declared, dismissing the minister's response as a "long-winded diatribe." "I am searching for answers, Minister Hill—not relevance."

At the heart of Hylton's criticism lies the fate of Jamaica's ambitious Logistics Hub Initiative, a project he architected with the potential to attract USD 30 billion in investments and generate over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. The World Bank-endorsed initiative has reportedly stagnated under Hill's leadership, with little progress toward its transformative goals.

The opposition spokesman has painted a stark picture of ministerial excess, questioning the value of Hill's numerous overseas missions. While the minister boasts of traveling with 189 businesspeople from 126 companies, Hylton points to a troubling reality: only three businesses have secured new contracts or opportunities from these expeditions.

The numbers paint a concerning picture of return on investment, with taxpayers footing the bill for extensive foreign travels while the majority of participating businesses have yet to see tangible benefits. Hill's references to ICT company successes remain unsubstantiated, lacking concrete data to support claims of significant economic impact.

"What specific investments have been attracted, and what policies have been developed to enhance local production and exports?" Hylton demanded, challenging the minister to provide evidence that his international networking has translated into market expansion or economic growth. The opposition spokesman's scrutiny extends beyond travel expenses to the broader question of ministerial effectiveness.

Of particular concern is the status of Jamaica's Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime, where questions linger about new investment attraction and job retention. Hylton has called for transparency regarding company exits from the SEZ and associated job losses over the past two years, suggesting a possible downturn in this crucial economic sector.

The relationship between the ministry and JAMPRO, Jamaica's trade and investment promotion agency, has also come under fire. Hylton questions whether the agency has been effectively absorbed into the ministry, with Hill assuming a de facto CEO role "without accountability or a clear strategy."

In a comprehensive call for accountability, Hylton has demanded detailed explanations of the ministry's efforts to address growth constraints, stimulate exports, and support the MSME sector. The opposition's concerns extend to trade deficit improvements and market access for Jamaican products, areas where concrete progress remains elusive.

The controversy highlights a fundamental debate over the government's approach to economic development. While Minister Hill continues to advocate for an export-focused economy—a policy direction Hylton notes was established during his administration and supported by multilateral institutions—the opposition argues that rhetoric has replaced meaningful action.

"The Jamaican people deserve more than isolated success stories," Hylton asserted, calling for comprehensive economic benefits that extend beyond a select group of businesses or industries. His demands for transparency include a detailed breakdown of taxpayer costs for overseas missions, including expenses from various agencies and staff involved in these diplomatic ventures.

The clash between these two political figures underscores broader concerns about Jamaica's economic trajectory. As Hylton pushes for concrete answers and measurable outcomes, the pressure mounts on Minister Hill to demonstrate that his international endeavors are yielding tangible benefits for the average Jamaican.

"We deserve more than rhetoric and costly international jaunts," Hylton concluded, throwing down the gauntlet for Minister Hill to provide evidence that his efforts are making a meaningful difference in Jamaicans' lives. As this political drama unfolds, the fundamental question remains: Can Jamaica's current economic strategy deliver the transformation its people desperately seek?

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