PM: No Chinese takeover
Holness slams critics of Ja’s engagement with Asian country’s business interests
Published:Friday | September 15, 2023 | 12:09 AM
PRIME MINISTER Andrew Holness yesterday slammed critics of his Government who, he said, are carrying “an unfortunate perception” that Jamaica is being overrun by Chinese interests.
Holness, who was speaking at the official opening of the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of the Highway 2000 in Clarendon, said that even with the US$188-million loan from China for the project, the country’s debt to the Asian country is “minuscule”.
Holness said that the figure is approximately 4.5 per cent of Jamaica’s total debt.
“Yes, what we owe to China is minuscule relative to what we owe to the rest of the world and international agencies,” said Holness.
“So, I’d like those who would want to create a false impression about Jamaica and our international development relationship with China, it is false,” he added.
The Inter-American Development Bank is Jamaica’s single largest creditor, accounting for 12.1 per cent of the national debt.
Holness said the Government has taken a strategic approach to develop its infrastructure, and partners with those who want to help.
“We are willing to partner with all countries in the world that come genuinely to assist our development, and we are ensuring that, when we partner with these countries, Jamaica gets the benefit. There is no Jamaican who can say that this road is not beneficial to them,” Holness said.
The four-lane 27.5-kilometre corridor, which is expected to reduce travel time to 15 minutes, was completed by China Harbour Engineering Company.
Holness said, of the 754 workers who were employed on the project, 603 were Jamaicans.