Corruption a national risk, warns Jamaica’s Opposition spokesman

Anthony Hylton, Opposition Spokesman on Investment, Trade and Global Logistics, has issued a stern warning, stating that Jamaica is at a critical juncture in its national development.

The spokesman was making his contribution to the 2025 Sectoral Debate in Parliament last Wednesday when he commented, bluntly stating that corruption remains the single greatest threat to the country’s progress. “Jamaica is at a precipice, not a crossroad.”

He argued that the country must now choose between clinging to the status quo and entering a new era of good governance, regional solidarity, and innovation.

Hylton ignited his forceful words with condemnation: “This is a crisis that erodes investor confidence, undermines public trust, and stalls real growth and development. If we are to truly pivot our country and unleash our full potential, we must first restore credibility, accountability, and good governance at the very top,” Hylton stated.

The opposition spokesman pointed to growing global instability and economic uncertainty, arguing that Jamaica must respond swiftly by expanding its access to international markets. With global powers strengthen in connectivity to ensure resilient supply chains.

Hylton said Jamaica risks falling behind unless it adapts. “Jamaica has little time to diversify its route to new markets—both for securing critical supplies and increasing exports to earn vital foreign exchange,” he warned. Wait and see. It is not a strategy. It is merely condemning the Jamaican people to further suffering.”

He cited the need to secure an exemption from the 10 % tariff imposed by the United States under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). He stressed that this effort must be coordinated through CARICOM, highlighting the strategic importance of regional unity in advancing Jamaica’s trade and development interests.

Hylton said CARICOM’s cooperation is logical for the issues, “which at times escapes the current administration – is inescapable in this and other matters affecting the region,” he noted.

He pointed out that the People’s National Party (PNP), with its long-standing leadership in regional affairs, is best positioned to build consensus and advance strategic priorities within CARICOM.

The Opposition Spokesman on Investment said that to confront both domestic and external challenges, Hylton proposed a transformative national strategy titled Jamaica 4.0. Drawing on principles from the industry 4.0 technological revolution, the initiative aims to reshape the country’s economic architecture around innovation, digital integration, and sustainable development.

Hylton said, “Jamaica 4.0 is designed to align a whole-of-nation strategy with the advancements of the technological revolution. By prioritizing innovation, leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, championing sustainable development, Jamaica 4.0 will accelerate economic growth and redefine the nation’s role on the global stage.”

He envisioned Jamaica becoming the fourth node in the global trading system – a premier hub for trade, logistics, and investment flows within the Americas.

“The time for hesitation has passed,” he concluded. “We must rise with purpose, anchored in integrity and driven by innovation, to secure a prosperous future for all Jamaicans.”