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Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Colin Bullock (centre), addressing the institute’s quarterly media briefing on May 15, at its New Kingston offices. Others (from left) are: Director, Economic Planning, Research and Policy Logistics Division, PIOJ, James Stewart and Programme Director, Plan Development Unit, PIOJ, Richard Lumsden.

1.6 % Growth for First Quarter

Jamaica recorded an estimated growth of 1.6 per cent between January and March 2014, relative to the corresponding period of 2013. The sectors of agriculture and mining and quarrying recorded the highest growth during the period. Director General of the...

Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Peter Phillips (right); in discussion with Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Jamaica, Her Excellency Paola Amadei, at a signing ceremony between Jamaica and the EU, for grant funding of $11.5 billion. The event took place at the Office of the Prime Minister on Europe Day celebrated around the world on May 9.

Jamaica to Seek More Opportunities in EU Markets

Deputy Financial Secretary in the Public Expenditure Policy Coordination Division, of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Hope Blake gives her remarks at the opening ceremony for the training programme in procurement law and practice held at the Management Institute for National Development (MIND) on Old Hope Road today May 12.

MIND Conducts Procurement Training for Public Sector Personnel

Prime Minister, the Most Hon Portia Simpson Miller (centre); looks on as Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Peter Phillips (right); greets Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Jamaica, Her Excellency Paola Amadei (left). Occasion was the signing ceremony between Jamaica and the EU, for grant funding of $11.5 billion, held at Jamaica House on May 9 to mark Europe Day.

EU Hands Over $11.5 Billion in Development Assistance to Government

Economist and Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Andre Haughton, during an interview on the JIS television programme, ‘Issues and Answers’, with Ian Boyne.

No Better Option Than New Taxes – Economist

12 years ago Finance & Public Service

New Charity Regime Will Support Individual Donors

Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS), Errol Gallimore, is reassuring private individuals engaged in charitable activities that the new regime will continue to facilitate their goodwill. Formerly, individuals who operate charities outside of Jamaica would request waiver letters from the Ministry of Finance and Planning in order to clear items donated to children’s homes, communities or...

Sophie Sirtaine, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean addresses journalists at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on May 6, 2014.

12 years ago Economic Growth & Infrastructure DevelopmentFinance & Public ServiceVision 2030

World Bank Lauds Government’s Commitment to Economic Reform

World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Sophie Sirtaine has hailed the Government of Jamaica’s ‘strong commitment’ to the Economic Reform Programme. Ms. Sirtaine, who was addressing journalists at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on May 6, said economic reform for the country was not an easy one due to vulnerability to disasters and economic shock. However, she said...

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips (right), and World Bank Caribbean Country Director, Sophie Sirtaine, exchange signed copies of a $4.63 billion (US$42 million) loan agreement, to finance the Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP). The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry’s National Heroes Circle offices in Kingston on Tuesday, May 6. The initiative will entail implementation of enhanced basic infrastructure and social services, and targeted crime and violence reduction interventions, among other inputs, by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), in approximately 18 communities in Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Ann, St. James, and Westmoreland, over the next six years.

12 years ago Finance & Public Service

Gov’t and World Bank Sign Off on $4.63 Billion Community Development Project

Over 80,000 residents of inner-city communities islandwide will benefit from significant provisions under the Government’s $4.63 billion (US$42 million) Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP), over the next six years. The initiative, being financed by a loan from the World Bank, will involve implementation of enhanced basic infrastructure and social services, and targeted crime and violence reduction interventions, among other inputs....

Fitch Ratings today revised the outlook for Jamaica from “Stable” to “Positive".

12 years ago Finance & Public Service

Jamaica Hits Fiscal Target, Sustained Effort a Challenge

Fitch Ratings (London): Jamaica's achievement in hitting fiscal targets is considerable given the background of persistent economic weakness and revenue underperformance, Fitch Ratings says. Political consensus remains in favour of structural adjustments through the country's IMF programme, but sustained fiscal consolidation will be challenging if there is growth underperformance or reform fatigue. The achievement of quantitative targets in the first...

12 years ago Finance & Public Service

Minister Dalley Begins Talks to Resolve Issues at SERHA

Minister with Responsibility for the Public Service in the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MOFP), the Hon. Horace Dalley, has assured workers employed under the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) that immediate steps will be taken to resolve the outstanding issues relating to the non-remittal of salary deductions. Minister Dalley made the disclosure on Friday, May 1, at a...

12 years ago Finance & Public ServiceNational Security

PICA and STATIN Sign Data Sharing MoU

The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see both entities sharing data, under an inter-agency collaboration arrangement. The MoU will enable easier monthly transfer of data from PICA to STATIN in relation to the annual count of all persons arriving in and departing the island...

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, makes a
point as he closes the 2014/15 Budget debate in the House of Representatives
on April 30.

12 years ago Budget 2014/2015Finance & Public ServiceParliament

Finance Minister Withdraws Bank Tax, Announces New Measures

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, on Wednesday, April 29, announced two new revenue measures to raise $2.3 billion. The Government has removed the introduction of a levy on deposit-taking institutions and encashments from securities dealers, which was previously announced by Dr. Phillips on April 17. The new measures include the introduction of a withholding tax on insurance premiums paid...