“There are ways in which a public good can be provided by the private sector that increases the welfare of all citizens”.

That is the stance of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, as he doubles down on his decision to divest the country’s waste management to private-sector interests.

Mr. Holness earlier indicated that the National Solid Waste Management Authority will be divested of its current responsibility of collecting the nation’s garbage to focus only on its duty as a regulator.

At the time, the move had sparked concern among some citizens, who believe the Government should not relinquish the responsibility to the private sector.

This concern was again brought to the fore during the Let’s Connect with Ambassador Audrey Marks Virtual Forum on Wednesday.

However, Prime Minister Holness maintained that the private sector can provide public services which would benefit all Jamaicans, while the Government regulates it.

He said the Government cannot manage hundreds of garbage trucks, among other things.