SPEAKING NOTES FOR THE PRIME MINISTER
RT. HON. P.J. PATTERSON Q.C., M.P.
FOR OFFICIAL OPENING OF BOULEVARD MOTORS,
MARCH 16, 2002
• Salutations
• Mack D's has emerged as one of the new and
dynamic stars on the motor vehicle horizon.
• This would not have been possible without the
policies put in place by this Government.
• Prior to 1990, the market was chaotic.
- The quota system created long waiting lists
_ People were denied the right to affordable
motor vehicles
- Many cases of rip-off. Even the most law-abiding
citizen was tempted to use
underhand and illegal means to buy a motor
car.
- People had the money and could not get
vehicles to buy.
• It is the Government that I lead, which has put in
place the policy to ensure access to affordable
motor vehicles for thousands of Jamaicans.
• The main objective of the liberalised Motor Vehicle
Policy was to:
_ increase the supply of motor vehicles;
_ eliminate the oppressive second and third
sale market;
_ and ensure that real demand was satisfied.
• Since the liberalisation of the trade, the number of
complaints received by the Fair Trading Commission and
the Consumer Affairs Commission about motor vehicle
financing schemes and breach of promise with regards to
warranties and after sales services has decreased
dramatically.
• But even one complaint, is one too many.
• Traders must also observe the Revenue Laws pertaining
to Customs Valuation and GCT payments.
• The development of the sector has created many jobs.
• Thousands of ordinary Jamaicans needing a reliable motor
vehicle to efficiently carry out their day-to-day activities
are now able to do so.
• In this area, the government has achieved its goals.
4
• Taxis are no longer Morris Oxford, Austin
Cambridge or Lada motorcars — they are now criss,
comfortable cars.
• Many vendors have moved from travelling on
'country buses' to get to the market. They drive
their own vehicles, whether it is the escallion or
melon farmer from St. Elizabeth, the yam farmer
from Trelawny or the fisherman in Clarendon.
QUALITY OF LIFE
• When we talk about "Solid Achievements" we
can confidently point to what has been achieved
in the area of Motor Vehicle Importation.
• Motor vehicle ownership is one of the clearest
indicators of improved standard of living; of
increase in disposable income.
• Since 1989, thousands of Jamaicans have been
"logging on to progress" and driving their
own 'crissas'.
• Consumption levels have increased all round.
The statistics show that consumption per person
increased last year by over 8%.
Percival J. Patterson Collection
