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Financial markets anxious for election - PM Holness
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has revealed that the local financial market is intensifying its call for the General Election to be held before the end of the year.
Mr. Holness says he is also cognizant of growing anxiety in the private sector for the election to be over and done with.
The Prime Minister, who is on a visit to New York, made the disclosure Thursday during an interview on the financial news channel, Bloomberg.
During the interview Mr. Holness was asked if the country will be going to the polls before the end of December.
“Is there going to be an election this year?” Mr. Holness was asked.
“Why do you ask me that question? (laughs). That’s a tough question…the financial markets are saying you need to have an election this year. It’s not quite clear in the political market whether or not we should have an election now or later but certainly the financial markets in Jamaica, the financials markets are looking forward to an election because it is really a vote of confidence in government policy.”
Mr. Holness said he was aware of the implications if there is a lengthy delay in calling the polls.
“We took very careful note of the Standard and Poors’ review of Jamaica where there is a political risk of changing the government. I think people who are in business especially want to see continuity. They want to see the stability continue and so they would prefer to have an election earlier to resolve any uncertainty in the market,” Mr. Holness told Bloomberg TV in New York, Thursday.
PM extends visit
And Prime Minister Holness who was due to return to the island Friday, has extended his visit to New York.
This follows several requests for Mr. Holness to meet with business leaders and potential investors.
Mr. Holness, who is the guest of honour of the organization, American Friends of Jamaica, is now scheduled to return to Jamaica on Saturday.
Senator Arthur Williams, the Minister with responsibility for Information, says the Prime Minister's trip has been very successful hence the decision to extend it by an additional day.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has revealed that the local financial market is intensifying its call for the General Election to be held before the end of the year.
Mr. Holness says he is also cognizant of growing anxiety in the private sector for the election to be over and done with.
The Prime Minister, who is on a visit to New York, made the disclosure Thursday during an interview on the financial news channel, Bloomberg.
During the interview Mr. Holness was asked if the country will be going to the polls before the end of December.
“Is there going to be an election this year?” Mr. Holness was asked.
“Why do you ask me that question? (laughs). That’s a tough question…the financial markets are saying you need to have an election this year. It’s not quite clear in the political market whether or not we should have an election now or later but certainly the financial markets in Jamaica, the financials markets are looking forward to an election because it is really a vote of confidence in government policy.”
Mr. Holness said he was aware of the implications if there is a lengthy delay in calling the polls.
“We took very careful note of the Standard and Poors’ review of Jamaica where there is a political risk of changing the government. I think people who are in business especially want to see continuity. They want to see the stability continue and so they would prefer to have an election earlier to resolve any uncertainty in the market,” Mr. Holness told Bloomberg TV in New York, Thursday.
PM extends visit
And Prime Minister Holness who was due to return to the island Friday, has extended his visit to New York.
This follows several requests for Mr. Holness to meet with business leaders and potential investors.
Mr. Holness, who is the guest of honour of the organization, American Friends of Jamaica, is now scheduled to return to Jamaica on Saturday.
Senator Arthur Williams, the Minister with responsibility for Information, says the Prime Minister's trip has been very successful hence the decision to extend it by an additional day.
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