Jamaica’s Election: Crime, Economy, and Diaspora Eyes on the Future

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica headed to the polls Wednesday in a high-stakes general election that could shape the island’s direction for years to come. With corruption, inequality, and economic concerns front of mind, Prime Minister Andrew Holness of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is seeking a third term against longtime People’s National Party (PNP) leader Mark Golding.

Smaller parties — including the Jamaica Progressive Party and the United Independents’ Congress — along with nine independent candidates are also in the race for 63 seats in the House of Representatives. The party that secures a majority will form the next government.

Mark Golding, leader of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) and Prime Minister Andrew Holness, leader of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Crime and Security: A Double-Edged Sword

Holness has leaned heavily on his government’s record of reducing violence. Murders are down 43% this year, one of the steepest drops in decades, thanks to firearm seizures and a stronger security presence. In hotspots like St. James, killings are down as much as 70%.

But the same measures — especially repeated states of emergency — have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups. They warn of arbitrary detentions and abuses of power, arguing Jamaica must balance safety with civil liberties.

The Economy and Wages

The JLP is also campaigning on low unemployment and fiscal discipline. Holness has promised to double the minimum wage, currently $100 per 40-hour workweek, as part of his pledge to expand opportunities for working-class Jamaicans.

Business groups, however, remain cautious. The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association warned that sudden wage hikes could ripple through the tourism sector, one of the country’s largest employers.

PNP’s Push for Change

Golding and the PNP are pushing back, arguing that everyday Jamaicans are still struggling with poverty, high costs, and weak infrastructure. The party is proposing to raise the income tax threshold to $21,800 from $11,200 — a move it says will put more money directly in workers’ pockets.

“The People’s National Party is ready to deliver a better life for our people,” Golding said at a rally earlier this week.

Voter Turnout and Diaspora Watch Parties

Just over 2 million Jamaicans are registered to vote, but participation has been slipping. Only 37% turned out in the 2020 election, one of the lowest rates in the island’s history.

Still, interest in Jamaica’s future extends far beyond its borders. Many across the diaspora are closely watching the results. In Boston, radio personalities JKool along with Notorious VOG of B87FM’s morning show and Inside the Dancehall program are hosting an election night watch party with friends, political supporters, and—above all—Jamaicans invested in the island’s future.

What’s Next

Whichever party emerges victorious will not only take charge of Parliament but also set the tone for Jamaica’s next chapter. With crime, wages, and trust in governance on the line, this election is more than a contest of parties — it’s a referendum on the direction Jamaicans at home and abroad want for their nation.