The Jamaica Labour Party is looking for its third straight term in office. They just released their manifesto, so let’s take a look.

Jamaica’s general election is slated for September 3. The JLP have finally released their “Choose Jamaica” manifesto, with a number of promises.

The party’s tax proposals are probably the biggest campaign promise. Both parties actually have big tax plans, I covered that in a separate video, so make sure you check that out.

A lot of these plans were discussed during the Prime Minister’s budget presentation in March. Like the JLP’s plan to boost the MSME sector by increasing funding to the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). Two billion dollars has already been set aside this year. They also plan to cut red tape, simplify access, and push for lower interest rates to help small businesses.

According to the manifesto, the JLP also wants to expand the NWC Amnesty Programme to include MSMEs. That would cut outstanding water bills in half and offer free reconnections. 

Something else that could help business owners – the government says it will be renegotiating JPS’s energy license in 2027. Jamaica’s electricity costs are some of the highest in the Caribbean and are a big hindrance to manufacturing. 

Then there’s the Unemployment Insurance Benefit which was also announced back in March. This would fall under the National Insurance Scheme. It gives employees who are contributors to the NIS, a “safety net” if they lose their jobs. The World Bank has already given the country US$20 million to do this. 

When it comes to student loans, the JLP is promising a four month amnesty from November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. During that time, delinquent borrowers will have all of their late fees, penalties and insurance charges waived. Half of their interest arrears will also be waived.

Borrowers in good standing will have a $100,000 credit applied to their accounts. And if you need less than the $100k to close your account, then you’d get that amount.

The manifesto includes a lot of other plans, like reducing interest rates on NHT loans for public sector workers with over five years of service, building out 67 health centres over the next 3-5 years to increase access and a national insurance plan for seniors.

The manifesto is available online; just type in JLP manifesto 2025, and it should come up. Like I said earlier, we have a separate video breaking down both parties’ tax promises.

And that’s the bottom line.