Cabinet Satisfied With Pace of IMF Negotiations

Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, says Cabinet is satisfied with the pace of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Responding to questions on the issue at Jamaica House press briefing, on November 21, 2012 at the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Falconer emphasised that Cabinet has confidence in Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips.

“Minister Phillips has said that he hopes that we will have a deal by December, and certainly we hope to have a Letter of Intent by December. In negotiations, there are gives and takes…we can never definitely say that it is going to be by the end of the year, but we certainly hope that it will be by the end of the year; if not, in January,” the Minister  said.

“We are not trying to get a quick fix. What we are looking for is the best deal that is going to redound to the benefit of the Jamaican people. As the Prime Minister has said, any deal we get, that deal must ensure that the Jamaican people are factored into it, and those persons who are the most vulnerable, are protected,” the Senator added.