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Is the IMF programme really Jamaica’s last chance?

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer- ON Monday, the UK's leading Financial newspaper, the Financial Times (FT), had an article headlined "IMF bailout looks like last chance for Jamaica". The newspaper quoted what it described as a senior official involved in the talks as saying: "It's a high-risk programme, a last-ditch effort to avoid a massive adjustment, even a collapse." The article concludes by noting that "there is widespread pessimism over Jamaica's ability to enact fiscal cuts and economic reforms of the dimensions required".

Government wants level playing field for all stakeholders in manufacturing sector

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government says it remains resolute in ensuring that equitable trading practices are observed by all stakeholders in the manufacturing sector, whether local or international. “We have to ensure that our trading partners play honestly, and that unfair trading practices do not undermine viable business models,” said Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Anthony Hylton.

JAMAICA-CRIME-Murder trial of Vybz Kartel adjourned again

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The murder trial of singer Vybz Kartel was adjourned to June 10 after a witness failed to appear in court on Monday Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, is jointly charged with Lenburgh McDonald and Nigel Thompson in the July 2011 murder of St Catherine businessman Barrington ‘Bossy’ Bryan, who was gunned down by men travelling in a motor vehicle. The trial was first adjourned in February after the prosecution told the court that the main witness in the case was being uncooperativeional countries CASTRIES, St.

Turks and Caicos recovers cash, land amid probe

KINGSTON, Jamaica - OFFICIALS in the Turks and Caicos Islands say they have recovered US$19.5 million and more than 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) of real estate as they continue to seize assets allegedly improperly obtained by corrupt politicians. Yesterday's announcement comes six months after the territory resumed self-government after three years of direct rule imposed by Britain due to a corruption scandal that led to the arrest of the island's jet-setting ex-premier in Brazil.

‘Ban them now!’ Local entrepreneurs call for restrictions on agri imports

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Ban the importation of all agricultural produce which can be cultivated locally! This, according to Peter McConnell, managing director of Worthy Park Estate Limited, is the first practical step that should be taken in redressing the country's growing import bill which now stands at just under US$1 billion. Last year, Jamaica's agricultural export bill was recorded at US$959 million, jumping by US$21 million over the previous year. The drastic solution came during yesterday's Editors' Forum hosted by The Gleaner Company at its North Street offices, downtown Kingston.

PM, ministers heading overseas

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller as well as several government ministers will be heading overseas in the coming days on separate engagements. Simpson Miller left for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday to participate in the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity/The African Union. "The prime minister's participation forms part of Jamaica's foreign policy of deepening engagement and relations with the African countries," Minister with Responsibility for Information Sandrea Falconer told the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday.

PIOJ optimistic about economic growth in Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is predicting that the island’s economy could experience as much as one per cent economic growth this fiscal year based on the implementation of several key multi-billion dollar projects. PIOJ Director General, Colin Bullock, said these developments include the J$2.5 billion (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.01 cents) Major Infrastructure Development Project; J$1.5 billion Sugar Transformation Programme; J$1.3 billion Sandy Gully/Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) Drainage Project; J$300 million Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Ris

Phillips, IMF defend ‘strenuous’ fiscal target for Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner-  The fiscal conditionalities of the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement are strenuous, but necessary, IMF mission head Jan Kees Martijn and Finance minister Dr Peter Phillips argued Tuesday, amid scepticism that Jamaica can hold to its targets this time.
The IMF team also introduced the new IMF Resident Representative for Jamaica, Bert Van Selm who will replace Dr Gene Leon.

PM leaves for African Union summit in Ethiopia

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner- PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller was scheduled to leave the island yesterday for Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, where she will attend the Special 50th Anniversary Summit commemorating the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity/African Union.
Simpson Miller is accompanied by Foreign Minister A J Nicholson; Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Onika Miller; Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ann Scott; Ambassador Carlton Masters, special envoy to the African Union, and members of her support team.

IMF pleased with Jamaica’s progress

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.

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