Holness stands firm, PNP will not 'party with our rent money'

During his speech during today's budget debate, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has made it known that the Opposition, the People's National Party, will not 'party with our [Jamaica's] rent money'.

The term rent money was in reference to the country's net international reserves (NIR), which now stands at US$5.5 billion.

This is the equivalent of 29 weeks of essential goods and services.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams first compared the NIR to Jamaica's "rent money" and criticised the PNP for suggesting that it be used to address some of the pressing issues now facing the country.

Holness, who was making his contribution to the 2025-2026 Budget Debate in Parliament on Thursday, described Williams' comment as "a more apt analogy".

"I have never heard a finance minister describe it that way. We will not allow the PNP to party with our rent money," he said to thunderous applause from Government members.

- Livern Barrett

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