JLP gives PNP failing grade

The Leader of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says the PNP administration has failed so far and has even left the country at a stand-still.

Andrew Holness was speaking during his party's assessment of the government's first 100 days in office.

He made the assessment, while at a press conference at JLP Headquarters in Kingston today (April 16).

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness has accused the government of resorting to delay tactics, due to its failure to secure a new deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, while in Opposition, had promised that a deal would have been struck within two weeks of her taking office.

It has been three months since Mrs. Simpson-Miller has taken charge of the administration, and yet no agreement has been reached with the money lending agency.

Mr. Holness says although the promised two-week timeline was impractical, he still expects Mrs. Simpson-Miller to deliver on her promise.

He adds that the government's failure to reach an agreement with the IMF has left the administration employing delay tactics.

Mr. Holness says the postponement of the budget presentation from April to May, is among the delays.

He says the previous JLP administration should not be blamed for the current IMF situation, as the government could have continued the previous agreement, which expires in May.

Finance Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips has said the new deal is necessary, because the on-going agreement, implemented by the previous administration, is dead.