PNP’s Janice Allen Pledges to Restore Middle Class, Boost Small Businesses in Montego Bay

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Janice Allen, People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for St James Central, has promised to revitalize Montego Bay’s middle class and create opportunities for small business operators and street vendors under a future PNP administration.

Speaking at a mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square on Sunday night, Allen said Montego Bay has lost its economic balance.

“The middle class here in Montego Bay, the middle class that once anchored the city, now feels alienated. The business class feels ignored. Our middle-income communities have been swallowed up by endless strips of our commercial spaces, and in fact, many of our working communities have been left derelict, neglected, and forgotten,” Allen told a sea of PNP supporters.

With Jamaicans heading to the polls on September 3, Allen outlined her mission to advocate for affordable housing and equal opportunities across all income levels.

“When I become your Member of Parliament, I will ensure that we build affordable housing for all income levels, that we include dwelling spaces for every category of professionals in this constituency, because Montego Bay must facilitate everyone,” she declared.

Allen also detailed plans to support young people and entrepreneurs, providing hands-on, job-ready training, while integrating street vendors into the formal economy to ensure they are treated fairly and can live with dignity.

“I have a plan for the youths as well. I have a plan to ensure that we provide hands-on, job-ready training, create the opportunities that will facilitate growth for our small businesses and entrepreneurs, and we will work to integrate the street vendors into the formal economy so that you can live in dignity and be treated fairly,” she said.

She emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure investment, particularly in roads and water systems, as part of her vision to rebuild Montego Bay’s strength and vibrancy.

“Comrades, we must revitalise our city. And I tell you this tonight, it is not just talk. This is what I have, and I am ready to deliver for Montego Bay,” Allen concluded to rousing applause.