KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner- SENIOR INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) mission representative to Jamaica, Jan Kees Martijn, yesterday said the Fund is "encouraged by the steady progress being made" by the country under the extended fund facility (EFF). "We have found a strong resolve to implement the programme and that is indeed critical because we all realise that there are serious challenges to be overcome," Martijn said following a routine visit to the island by staff of the IMF. The IMF on May 1 approved Jamaica's application for a four-year EFF in the amount of approximately US$958 million.