KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Tuesday said it would continue to work “assiduously” with the Jamaican authorities” on an economic programme that would help address the challenges caused by high debt and low growth. “Over the last three decades, the Jamaican economy has experienced very low economic growth, declining productivity, and reduced international competitiveness.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Members of the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) walked out of Parliament during the debate on a J$15.9-billion (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.01 cents) tax package presented by government, less than 24 hours after it asked nationals to support stringent measures in order for the island to seal a multi-million dollar Stand By Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Finance Minister Dr.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - Two news stories we published this week have, for us, been particularly heart-warming and most encouraging. For they indicate to us that, amidst the challenges being faced by this country, and the attitude of many that we cannot do anything without an International Monetary Fund agreement, there are, among us, individuals who are engaged in constructive thought.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner - The Center on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) says the recent decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) siding with Antigua and Barbuda against the United States in their online gambling dispute "presents a troubling scenario" for Washington. "If the United States claim that the world's 15th smallest economy is engaged in some form of economic bullying, attempting to force its hand in altering gambling laws by increased pressure from Hollywood lobbies, seems farcical, then so be it," said COHA, a Washington-based think tank.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has confirmed that a second debt exchange programme will be implemented. In a joint national broadcast with the Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips this evening, Simpson Miller said the programme called a National Debt Exchange Offer will be launched Tuesday morning. The debt exchange is part of measures that the Government is relying on to reduce the debt from the current 140 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - Let us pull together, PM appeals to country FINANCIAL institutions and holders of domestic bonds will this morning be asked to take a haircut on interest for the second time in three years as the Government starts implementing measures critical to signing a funding arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - GOVERNMENT has agreed to a number of preconditions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a requirement for an extended fund facility with the multinational. Some of the preconditions were announced last night buy the finance minister, Dr Peter Phillips, during a joint national broadcast to the nation with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. They include: Tax waivers to go Minister says concrete steps will be taken to reduce and virtually eliminate discretionary tax waivers. Parliament will be provided with details today.
(Jamaica Gleaner) The man entrusted by the United States (US) to monitor the gamut of its military-related affairs in approximately 31 countries and 15 areas of special sovereignty in the Western Hemisphere is urging the Portia Simpson Miller administration to be unyielding in its efforts to rid Jamaica of corruption. Commander of the US South Command, General John Kelly, last week declared that the Government of Jamaica needs to move decisively to root out the “cancer” of corruption at all levels.
LOS ANGELES, CMC - The 55th Grammy Awards here Sunday night paid tribute to legendary Jamaican reggae superstar Robert Nesta Marley, renowned worldwide as Bob Marley. But, for a moment, it appeared as though there would hardly be any tribute to the late great reggae artist when about two-thirds of a set that was supposed to honour him was used by other performers. Bruno Mars and sting kicked off the tribute by singing not anything from Marley's massive repertoire but their own songs. Mars did reggae-influenced “Locked Out of Heaven,” and Sting sang The Police's “Walking on the Moon”.
LONDON, CMC – More than 800 Jamaicans are in jails in the United Kingdom, according to figures released during a debate in Parliament. The website bernews.com Monday reported that there were approximately, 1007 nationals from the West Indies incarcerated in jails across England and Wales at the end of 2012. It said that Jamaicans made up the bulk of that number, with 821 behind bars. There was no information on what the individuals were jailed for, but the website said, six Bermudians were jailed last year.