The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has condemned recent comments by Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Audley Shaw that a private sector individual is acting as the mouthpiece for the government in making monthly pronouncements on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Media reports have linked the comments to Richard Byles, the private sector co-chair of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), which is tasked to monitor and comment publicly on Jamaica's performance under the current IMF/government of Jamaica economic reform programme, the PSOJ said in a release.

“The PSOJ would like to reaffirm its full confidence in Mr. Byles in the execution of his duties as EPOC Co-Chair,” the release said.

“Mr. Byles in our view has reported the facts as have been presented to EPOC and has both praised good performance by the government as well as criticized weaknesses where identified,” said the private sector lobby.

The PSOJ said it has been a strong advocate for the private sector to become involved in supporting the nation by volunteering services wherever they are needed and Mr. Byles is one example of a long line of private sector individuals who have done so and continue to do so.

“The PSOJ views the unwarranted discrediting of individuals who continue to make personal sacrifices for the country as counterproductive and damaging to our nation's development,” it said.

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