A total of 404 local economic initiatives (LEIs) have benefited from business support services provided under the Local Economic Development Support Programme. This resulted in the generation of jobs for 1,659 persons, inclusive of 189 youth. A total of 840 of these persons gained full-time employment, 542 were employed part-time, while 277 were engaged seasonally. This is contained in the...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says he is “cautiously optimistic” that Jamaica could record economic growth within the top end of the current four to nine per cent forecast range. Mr. Holness said this optimism was based on the higher-than-expected pace of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations locally, the anticipated release of pent-up vacation demand and the impact of the...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is projecting that the economy will grow within the range of seven per cent to nine per cent during the April to June 2021 quarter. Director General of the PIOJ, Dr. Wayne Henry, who made the announcement, said this outlook is based on “the commencement of the recovery process relative to the low output...

The Jamaican economy contracted by an estimated 5.7 per cent in the January to March 2021 quarter, largely due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This estimated decline is in comparison to the corresponding period last year. Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, made the disclosure while providing a preliminary estimate on...

Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor, Richard Byles, says signs of incremental improvement in the economy are beginning to emerge. These, he said, are evidenced in the indicators related to employment and growth, among other areas impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Speaking during the BOJ’s digital quarterly briefing on Friday (May 21), Mr. Byles said the latest data released by...

The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) has been commended for its accomplishments in the five years of its existence. Heading the list are Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, with responsibility for the Authority, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill. At the JSEZA’s inaugural Virtual Summit,...

The Negril/Green Island Area Local Planning Authority (NIGALPA) received a total of 113 development applications between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Everald Warmington, who informed that the applications submitted were for 99 residential developments, five resort developments, one recreational and seven...