( L - R ) John Jackson, Mark Myers, Christopher Zacca, Marjory Kennedy

Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) President Christopher Zacca was upbeat last night, saying the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) should be commended for its management of the national polls.

"From all reports, things went smoothly," said Zacca. "The turnout was said to be heavy, which was good."

Jamaican employees who report to work before 10:00 a.m. are allowed three hours off to vote on election day.

Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President Mark Myers also commended the level of "organisation and professionalism" he witnessed, but said it was unfortunate that commerce had to come to a standstill to accommodate the polls.

"It's unfortunate that Jamaica has not matured enough where we can have an election without disrupting business," said Myers.

Local banks shuttered at noon while the majority of financial institutions closed at 1:00 p.m. to facilitate staff exercising their franchise.

Most other companies closed early.

Last night, business interests were reluctant to offer detailed comment immediately on the closing of the polls, saying they would rather await the outcome and address comments specifically to the victor.

Marjory Kennedy of the Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA) said the organisation would work with whichever party forms the next government, while Omar Azan, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, said ahead of the polls that the group would be seeking audience with the new administration for more details on how it plans to implement and finance the manifesto pledges.

Financial analyst and stock market expert John Jackson said he, too, would hold his specifics until after the winner was declared, but noted that a priority of the new administration had to be the transformation of the business environment by dealing with the impediments to investment.

Economist Errol Gregory said improvements to the business climate would be a priority of the JLP, but added that he foresaw no immediate changes to government programmes under a change of administration.

Inroads

Gregory acknowledged inroads into the clearing of bottlenecks at the ports, improvements to service agencies like the Registrar General and improved regulations as achievements of the PNP administration.

"But there is a feeling that there is more to be done," he told The Gleaner, adding that the JLP would build on those achievements.

Myers said the JCC expects the new administration to begin working immediately on a consultative approach to decision making "to get the economy moving and foster job growth".

Jackson, who asked about the JLP's proposal to establish Jamaica as an offshore financial centre, said its viability would depend on how motivated the Government and other players in the financial sector are to come to some understanding on the issue.

"This requires consultation," he said last night. "Good management dictates this."

The offshore financial sector proposal has been endorsed by some business interests, most notably the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.