Gov’t dismisses Opposition’s criticism of non-essential travel moratorium as ‘misguided and shallow’

KINGSTON, Jamaica —State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Abka Fitz-Henley, has rejected criticism by Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson of the Government's recently announced moratorium on non-essential overseas travel across the public sector, including the political executive.

Senator Fitz-Henley, in a statement, said it has long been the policy of the Government to, where possible, increase efficiency across the public sector, including at the level of the executive, and properly manage the expenditure of public resources.

"The prime minister had a few years ago put in place a quota in terms of ministerial travel. This additional measure is a move to further concretise and expand the push for greater efficiency across Government. In fact, the moratorium on non-essential travel is the first of a series of steps which the prime minister will announce to achieve increased efficiency, along with quicker and more effective delivery of service to the people of Jamaica. The PNP's assessment of the decision is superficial, shallow and misguided, but consistent with their modus operandi to attempt to disparage measures which are in Jamaica's best interest," Fitz-Henley said.

Fitz-Henley said the PNP's failure to grasp the importance of the decision is not surprising.

He added that Jamaicans should not be surprised that the PNP has sought to pour cold water on a decision taken to move towards a more frugal use of resources, given the multiple, frequently recurring crises Jamaica has faced.

"The PNP has a sordid history of opposing measures which are in the interest of the people of Jamaica. They opposed states of public emergency which were saving hundreds of Jamaican lives, and they opposed the Rural School Bus System, which is delivering affordable and more accessible transportation for our children. Therefore, it is true to form that the PNP, which is the party of heavy taxation and exploitation of public resources, would oppose a measure intended to treat with resources in a more efficient manner. The PNP's vulgar and opportunistic approach to politics must be rejected," Fitz-Henley said.

READ: Opposition demands answers on Gov't spending following ban on overseas travel for public officials