Kingston, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Investment, Trade and Global Logistics, Hon. Anthony Hylton, has issued a stern warning that Jamaica is standing at a critical juncture in its national development, and corruption remains the single greatest threat to the country’s progress.
“Jamaica is at a precipice, not a crossroads,” declared Hylton during his contribution to the 2025 Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Wednesday. He emphasized that the country must now choose between clinging to the status quo or boldly stepping into a new era defined by good governance, regional solidarity, and innovation.
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Corruption Undermining Growth and Trust
At the heart of his address was a forceful condemnation of corruption at the highest levels of government.
“This is a crisis that erodes investor confidence, undermines public trust, and stalls real growth and development,” Hylton stated. “If we are to truly pivot our country and unleash our full potential, we must first restore credibility, accountability, and good governance at the very top.”
He warned that failure to address these issues would continue to alienate investors, discourage innovation, and perpetuate economic stagnation.
Urgent Need for Market Diversification
Hylton pointed to growing global instability and economic uncertainty, arguing that Jamaica must respond swiftly by expanding its access to international markets. With global powers strengthening connectivity to ensure resilient supply chains, he said Jamaica risks falling behind unless it adapts.
“Jamaica has little time to diversify its route to, and access to, new markets — both for securing critical supplies and increasing exports to earn vital foreign exchange,” he warned. “Wait and see is not a strategy. It is merely condemning the Jamaican people to further suffering.”
CARICOM Cooperation Critical in Trade Negotiations
Among the immediate priorities, Hylton cited the need to secure exemptions from the 10 percent tariff imposed by the United States under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). He stressed that this effort must be coordinated through CARICOM, highlighting the strategic importance of regional unity in advancing Jamaica’s trade and development interests.
“The logic of CARICOM cooperation — which at times escapes the current administration — is inescapable in this and other matters affecting the region,” he said.
He argued that the People’s National Party (PNP), with its long-standing leadership in regional affairs, is best positioned to build consensus and advance strategic priorities within CARICOM.
Critique of Government’s Isolationist Approach
Hylton criticized the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for what he described as a longstanding “go-it-alone” approach that undermines regional integration and collective bargaining.
“That tendency, exemplified by its historic and current stance on regional integration, is simply not helpful in this moment of looming crisis,” he remarked.
In contrast, he called for leadership that demonstrates vision, political will, strategic discipline, and the competence necessary to unite the region and guide Jamaica through turbulent global conditions.
Introducing Jamaica 4.0: A National Development Vision
To confront both domestic and external challenges, Hylton proposed a transformative national strategy titled “Jamaica 4.0.” Drawing on principles from the Industry 4.0 technological revolution, the initiative aims to reshape the country’s economic architecture around innovation, digital integration, and sustainable development.
“Jamaica 4.0 is designed to align a whole-of-nation strategy with the advancements of the technological revolution,” he explained. “By prioritising innovation, leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, and championing sustainable development, Jamaica 4.0 will accelerate economic growth and redefine the nation’s role on the global stage.”
He envisioned Jamaica becoming the fourth node in the global trading system — a premier hub for trade, logistics, and investment flows within the Americas.
A Call to Action
Hylton’s remarks were not just a critique but a rallying cry — a call to reject complacency and embrace bold, visionary leadership. With economic headwinds strengthening and international dynamics shifting, he made it clear that Jamaica must choose: stagnation or transformation.
“The time for hesitation has passed,” he concluded. “We must rise with purpose, anchored in integrity and driven by innovation, to secure a prosperous future for all Jamaicans.”
