Cabinet Approves Increase in CIF Limit for Gov’t-Owned Vehicles

KINGSTON — Cabinet has approved the recommendation for an increase the upper limit of the Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) for the procurement of Government-owned motor vehicles for approved public officials to US$35,000, up from US$29,000.

This is in keeping with the limit applicable under the 20 per cent duty concession category, said Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, at yesterday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

He noted that the cost of motor vehicles has been appreciating globally, and several requests have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance seeking approval to purchase vehicles for assignment to public officials, in excess of the approved US$29,500 CIF, “with notification that suitable vehicles are not available within the approved threshold”.

Mr. Vaz informed that the measure was also in keeping with Cabinet’s approval of an increase in the CIF value for motor vehicles for which the 20 per cent concession was applicable, from US$25,000 to US$35,000.

On another matter, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is to sign a $106 million military cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Defence of the People’s Republic of China for the provision of military aid. Cabinet gave approval for the move through the Ministry of National Security.

“The agreement, which will be signed by the Chief of Defence Staff, was reached with a view to further develop the friendly cooperative relationship between the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Jamaica” Minister Vaz stated.

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Reporter