Official Development Assistance (ODA) from International Development Partners (IDPs) continued to play a pivotal role in supporting Jamaica’s Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF), through a mix of new and ongoing projects and programmes during 2024. This was highlighted by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in its latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ). The report indicated that new...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, says business continuity must be a priority for all public-sector entities, with resilience embedded into the design of every service. Business continuity is the capability of an organisation to maintain or quickly resume essential functions and deliver products or services at acceptable levels during and after a disruption. “It must...

The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) is encouraging borrowers to take advantage of its Debt Reset Programme, noting that participation can significantly improve their credit standing and enhance their ability to access loans from other financial institutions. Credit bureaus collect information from lenders and other relevant sources on a borrower’s credit history, which is then used to assess creditworthiness. Borrowers with...

Jamaica’s economy remained broadly on course in 2024 despite significant setbacks caused by extreme weather events and other external challenges, according to the latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ). Released by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the report notes that while real output contracted during the year, key macroeconomic targets were maintained, reflecting continued fiscal discipline and policy...

Data-driven research continues to shape Jamaica’s social development agenda, with new findings underscoring both progress and persistent challenges affecting children, youth, and vulnerable groups across the island. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), in its latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ), reports that evidence-based analysis remains central to the design of policies and programmes under the country’s social protection...

The National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EXIM) is encouraging business operators affected by Hurricane Melissa, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to take advantage of its loan facilities. Manager of Loan Origination and Business Development, Hopeton Nicholson, said that the Bank continues to provide traditional lending to assist its clients affected by the hurricane in their recovery efforts. “Our mandate...

The Government is moving to strengthen the pension system by introducing auto-enrolment, aimed at expanding coverage, increasing retirement savings, and reducing old-age poverty. “Many people intend to save… but the truth is they will delay. Many workers postpone action because the process feels complex and distant. Auto-enrolment changes the default. It makes participation the normal starting point while preserving choice....