Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Government is closely monitoring the global increase in oil prices, stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. She noted that since the United States and Israel launched aerial attacks on Iran on February 28, “we’ve seen oil prices go from about US$64 per barrel to US$74, an...

Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, indicated that at this stage it is unlikely Jamaica will experience an economic recession in the short term, barring any unforeseen shocks. He addressed the matter on Tuesday, March 3, during the PIOJ’s quarterly hybrid media briefing, where he provided preliminary estimates on the economy’s performance for the...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting an estimated 7.5 per cent decline in economic performance for the October to December 2025 quarter, compared with the corresponding period in 2024. PIOJ Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, explained that the out-turn was largely influenced by the effects of Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread destruction through gale-force winds, storm...

Redevelopment of the St. James-based Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) is expected to be completed in the new fiscal year, through a $5-billion allocation from the Government. Details are outlined in the 2026/2027 Estimates of Expenditure, which is before the House of Representatives. The funds will be spent to continue civil works associated with Phase III of the project, achieving 95...

Expansion and upgrading of hospitals and health centres across the island, under the Prevention and Care Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Project, will be advanced in the new fiscal year through a $4-billion allocation. Details are outlined in the 2026/2027 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project is geared at contributing to the improvement of the...

The Government has set aside more than $700 million for the completion of construction and acquisition of equipment for the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James. Details are outlined in the 2026/2027 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project is aimed at building a 220-bed facility on the compound of the Cornwall...

The Ministry of Finance and Public Service is reminding procuring entities that they cannot spend funds that have not been appropriated to them, even in times of emergency. In a recent interview with JIS News, Chief Public Procurement Policy Officer at the Ministry, Jovell Barrett, said that the public procurement rules are clear – “they don't have the money, they...