The PNP’s manifesto appears rushed and was riddled with errors despite making much ado about a single error in our achievement document which has generated significant interest among Jamaicans both at home and in the diaspora. Even the most basic details of their manifesto do not add up. The Table of Contents says 8 pillars, the Opposition Leader’s statement says 10, and their own diagram lists 11. Which is it? 8, 10, or 11? Their claim that these promises will cost 10% of “discretionary funds” shows a fundamental misunderstanding of Jamaica’s budget. There is no major budget line called discretionary funds. Jamaica’s budget is made up of key categories: programmes, compensation of employees, interest payments, capital expenditure, and loans. If “programmes” is the line they mean, then they must say which essential services they would cut or defer to pay for their promises. PATH, school grants, public safety, waste management, health services, cultural programmes, or welfare for the elderly, the sick, and children. The Jamaican people deserve answers. Will these promises be funded by higher taxes? By cutting critical services? Or by borrowing and increasing debt? History shows that the PNP’s approach has been higher taxes, more debt, and economic decline. They do not understand the budget, they do not understand government, and they are not ready to lead.(Andrew Holness)