IN JAMAICA: It’s progress - PRIME Minsister Portia Simpson goes after child abusers Portia says PNP leading nation to prosperity; little on crime

 BY ALPHEA SAUNDERS Observer senior staff reporter saundersa@jamaiaobserver.com  Monday, September 21, 2015    

PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller used the platform of the People's National Party's (PNP) 77th annual conference to tout an agenda of progress and prosperity, while saying very little on the issue of crime which many were expecting her to address. On the issue of crime, which the Opposition on Friday insisted that the prime minister address at the conference, Simpson Miller said the Government is improving the operational capabilities of the security forces, and highlighted the passage of several pieces of legislation aimed at boosting crime-fighting, as well as the refurbishing of court facilities across a number of towns.

Portia and PJ

A passionate Simpson Miller also reminded party supporters inside the National Arena in Kingston that stricter laws are coming for those found guilty of rape and carnal abuse, and also parents who neglect their children.

But, for the most part, the party president's speech focused on the Government's achievement to include efforts to improve social security, through a $5.5-billion expenditure on social programmes, an additional $600 million for pensioners, and increases in grants to students under the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education. She also pointed to additional expenditure in the health and education sectors, as well as improved infrastructure across vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, Simpson Miller chided the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for its harsh criticisms of the Government's policies and programmes, pointing out that up to September 2007, when the JLP took over, the economy was growing. more