The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that the country grew by an estimated 0.9 per cent for the July to September 2017 quarter, relative to the corresponding period last year. This out-turn reflects a 0.6 per cent increase over the April to June quarter, and is driven by a 1.1 per cent expansion in the services industry and...

Three entities have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will facilitate capacity building among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and provide them with institutionalised support. Led by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), the other signatories to the MOU are the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC). The signing of the MOU forms the basis...

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs has embarked on a three-year entrepreneurship training programme as part of a move to reposition the organisation as an entity geared at empowering youth for meaningful employment. Under the programme, young persons who successfully complete the training are assisted with capital inputs to start their own businesses. Speaking with JIS News at the 10th annual Lauriston...

Ambassador Plenipotentiary for Economic Affairs, Dr. Nigel Clarke, is calling for increased investment in agriculture, as there is great demand that is not being satisfied and which the nation has the ability to supply. “If we focus more on growing our own produce, we would reduce the need to import and satisfy the demands of our markets, which also results...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given high marks for Jamaica’s performance under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the Fund, saying “commitment to the economic reform programme remains strong”, with “economic indicators at historical highs, supported by a favourable macroeconomic environment”. In its recently released 70-page review of Jamaica’s economic performance, the IMF notes that “unemployment is falling, new jobs...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Caribbean, Montego Bay is very important to the Government’s growth strategy. Speaking at the official opening of the GWest Medical Centre in Fairview, Montego Bay, on November 2, Mr. Holness pointed out that Montego Bay is being positioned as a major centre for business,...

Plans by the government are in the offing to convert lands around Hope Gardens in St. Andrew into a technology park. Minister without Portfolio in the Economic Growth and Job Creation Ministry, Hon. Horace Chang confirmed that by the end of 2018, the first 300,000 square foot of space will be established to employ up to 6,000 individuals. “We know...