Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Portia Simpson Miller, People's National Party president, greets former prime minister, P.J. Patterson, during the party's annual conference at National Arena, Kingston, yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Acting Photography Editor

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller has urged the Golding administration to "change gear" to reverse Jamaica's deepening economic crisis, saying a bipartisan approach was critical to addressing the country's crises.

Speaking yesterday at the People's National Party (PNP) annual conference in Kingston, Simpson Miller indicated that the PNP was willing to knock heads with the Government to improve the standard of living.

"Government, I want to say, we are prepared to help ... . We are prepared to help you, Driver (Prime Minister Bruce Golding), but you cannot continue on that same course," the party president said.

Chastisement

But even while she offered a hand in partnership, Simpson Miller lambasted the Govern-ment for its response to the financial meltdown in the United States and Europe which continues to unravel.

A wave of foreclosures, a credit squeeze and roller-coaster stock market swings have sent shock waves throughout the United States and European economic landscapes and put investors on tenterhooks.

Despite the US Congress approving a US$700-billion rescue plan, markets have remained skittish and financial analysts in Jamaica suggest that the fallout could have far-reaching effects here.

Intervention

Simpson Miller called for Golding to "wake up to reality" and quickly implement appropriate measures to cushion any potential blows.

"I call on the Government to begin to look at the manufacturing sector to see if there is any need for intervention to save the sector so we can save jobs," she told a large crowd at the National Arena.

"Look at small businesses now operating and look at the agriculture sector," she said.

However, the party president failed to provide clear-cut strategies to tackle the crisis.

Golding conceded last week that the economic downturn in the United States would have implications for Jamaica's ability to source money.

The Government has since installed a top-level team of technocrats to monitor the domestic financial system and take action if necessary.

No Phillips

The PNP conference came three weeks after Simpson Miller was returned as president of the party after defeating Dr Peter Phillips in a bitterly contested election.

Phillips, who said last Friday that he would not attend the conference, was true to his word. A few of his key campaign supporters, such as Maxine Henry-Wilson, were also absent.

Former PNP president and prime minister, P.J. Patterson, also addressed the conference. Steering clear of calling names, he appealed for unity within the organisation, especially as it commemorates its 70th anniversary.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com