Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hit back at criticisms of his celebration of the reduction in Jamaica’s unemployment rate which is at an all time low of 4.5 percent.

Despite the decline, some members of the public expressed concern, noting that Jamaica’s poverty rate had increased.

The poverty rate rose to 16.7 per cent in 2021, representing a 5.7 percentage point increase relative to 2019.

Addressing members of the Diaspora in New York in the United States recently, Mr. Holness said it is essential to acknowledge the country’s progress.

He added that the Jamaican economy is starting to show signs that it can begin to provide economic freedom.

Mr Holness also maintained that the most effective economic strategy is to get people employed.