Jamaica’s economy is estimated to have expanded by 3.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2022, signaling the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, said data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) indicates that by December 2022, Jamaica not only achieved but surpassed pre-COVID levels of...

A review of the income tax threshold is not possible at this time, says Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke. Opening the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 7), Dr. Clarke said the transition to the new compensation system, the higher levels of pay, and the absorption of non-taxable...

The Government is investing in the construction and renovation of tax offices across Jamaica. The objective is to improve the ease of doing business and create more comfortable spaces for staff and clients. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, who made the disclosure while opening the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives...

Upgrading of Jamaica’s banknotes will be implemented by mid-June, says Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke. Making the disclosure while opening the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 7), the Minister said the suite of notes will include a new $2,000 denomination. The Minister told the House that the...

Sixteen communities and approximately 128 small traditional cannabis farmers will be targeted for support over the next three to four years under the Alternative Development Programme 2.0. The programme aims to eliminate illicit cultivation of cannabis by transitioning farmers into the legally regulated industry. “Participating communities would be allowed to cultivate up to 10 acres of land. Each participating community...

No new taxes will be introduced to finance the Government’s $1 trillion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This was announced by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, as he opened the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 7). He indicated that 2023/24 represents the sixth consecutive fiscal year...

Many contract workers now employed in the public sector will be made permanent employees. Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, made the disclosure as he opened the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 7. He said that the objective is to address the longstanding abuse of fixed-term contracts in Government....