Opposition Leader Bruce Golding is pledging ten per cent economic growth under a new Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration, but has signalled that this projection could not be realised in the first two years in office.

At the same time, he is vowing to pump significant resources into the security forces as part of efforts to address the country's serious crime problem.

Suggesting that a double-digit growth rate was not beyond the country's capability, the Opposition Leader contended that several other countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia and Botswana have recorded similar growth figures.

"Botswana is perhaps the only country in Africa that has consistently pursued the kind of growth-oriented policies that we are talking about, so it can be done," he told journalists.

Addressing a post-budget debate press conference at the JLP's headquarters on Belmont Road in St. Andrew, Mr. Golding said with the Opposition's strategies to create new jobs and widen investment opportunities, the projected growth target was attainable.

He explained that a one-stop-shop approval agency would be set up to cut the red tapes and long delays in getting government approval for projects.

Giving details about the Opposition's plan to create increased employment and new investment, Mr. Golding said an intensive and aggressive drive would be launched toidentify and encourage prospective investors to come to Jamaica.

Private sector driven

He said the employment initiative would be private sector driven, but would involve a critical Government partnership in specific areas.

According to Mr. Golding, the JLP would have to provide the "right kind of framework that businesses will insist upon," adding that this would relate to the problem of crime, labour market reform, as well as the taxation policy.

In the first year of his leadership, Mr. Golding said increased budgetary support for the security forces would be a priority.

He said the powers of the Commissioner of Police would be strengthened in terms of his management of the force, but noted that members of the force would have the opportunity to appeal the decision of the commissioner at a higher level.