Opposition Leader Mark Golding says the ‘goodies’ promised by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday, including a 53 per cent cut in the General Consumption Tax (GCT) component on electricity bills and a $20,000 payment to vulnerable Jamaicans, represent nothing more than a “run-with-it, “vote buying scheme”.

Golding made the remarks on Tuesday at a press conference at the Old Hope Road offices of the People’s National Party (PNP).

Holness announced several initiatives that he said are aimed at easing the cost of living crisis being experienced by Jamaicans as he addressed the Jamaica Labour Party’s annual conference on Sunday.

READ: PM rolls out goodies

Golding argued Tuesday that the promised reduction in the rate of GCT on electricity will not impact the majority of JPS customers who consume less than 150 kilowatt hours per month of electricity.

The party’s spokesman on energy, Phillip Paulwell concurred.

“More than 75 per cent of households will experience minimal relief with savings capped at around $237 per month,” Paulwell noted.

Golding also criticised the prime minister for his announcement that certain vulnerable Jamaicans who are not captured as part of any social intervention programme and who did not benefit from the $20,000 reverse income tax payment will get a one-off payment next year.

“The so-called reverse income tax credit is to be turned into a $20,000 money giveaway. It is a blatant run-with-it vote-buying scheme for the next election…,” he declared.

Golding pointed out that this was taking place at a time when the economy was contracting and experiencing negative economic growth.