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Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, responds to a question during the PIOJ’s quarterly hybrid media briefing on the performance of the economy for the period October to December 2025 on Tuesday (March 3). At right is Deputy Director General, PIOJ, Claire Bernard.

Total Loss and Damage from Hurricane Melissa Estimated at $1.952 Trillion

Total damage and losses associated with the passage of Hurricane Melissa are estimated at $1.952 trillion (US$12.2 billion), says Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry. This figure is equivalent to 56.7 per cent of Jamaica’s 2024...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams (centre), fields questions during the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives meeting at Gordon House on March 5. The Committee is examining the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure. Listening are Minister of State in the Ministry, Hon. Zavia Mayne, and Financial Secretary, Darlene Morrison (right).

Financial Institutions Modernising Systems for Seamless NIDS Integration

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams (centre), addressing the meeting of the Standing Finance Committee on Thursday (March 5) at Gordon House. She is flanked by State Minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Zavia Mayne (left), and Financial Secretary, Darlene Morrison.

New National Security Advisor to Be Recruited

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams.

Gov’t Monitoring Global Rise in Oil Prices

Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry (centre), addresses the agency’s quarterly hybrid media briefing on Tuesday (March 3).

No Short-Term Recession Expected – PIOJ Director General

2 weeks ago Finance & Public Service

Hurricane Melissa Drives Sharpest Economic Decline Since 2020

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...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (left), points to the progress of work on the Cornwall Regional Hospital Redevelopment Project, during a tour in July 2025. He was accompanied by Project Manager, Vivian Gordon.

2 weeks ago Finance & Public ServiceHealth & WellnessWorks / Construction

Gov’t Allocates $5 Billion to Complete Cornwall Regional Hospital Redevelopment

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...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.

2 weeks ago Finance & Public ServiceHealth & WellnessParliament

$4 Billion Allocated for Expansion, Upgrading of Health Facilities

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...

Architectural design of the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James

2 weeks ago Finance & Public ServiceHealth & WellnessParliamentYouth

$700 Million Set Aside to Complete Construction, Equipping of Western Children’s Hospital

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...

Chief Public Procurement Policy Officer at the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, Jovell Barrett, address a recent JIS Think Tank.

2 weeks ago Finance & Public Service

Procuring Entities Cannot Spend Funds That Have Not Been Appropriated

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...

Chief Public Procurement Policy Officer at the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, Jovell Barrett speaking with JIS News.

2 weeks ago Finance & Public Service

Public Bodies Must Justify Use of Emergency Procurement Procedures

Public bodies are being reminded that they must carefully justify any decision to invoke emergency procurement procedures, as these rules are not designed for automatic or prolonged use. In a recent interview with JIS News, Chief Public Procurement Policy Officer at the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, Jovell Barrett, explained that emergency procurement is governed by strict conditions that...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, tables the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure in the House of Representatives on February 12.

3 weeks ago Economic Growth & Infrastructure DevelopmentEducationFinance & Public ServiceParliament

$225M Earmarked for Anchovy Infrastructure Project Completion Under ICDP II

The Government has earmarked $225 million in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure to complete the integrated infrastructure project in Anchovy, St. James, and conduct the project close-out audit. The works will be carried out under the Integrated Community Development Project II, which seeks to improve access to basic urban infrastructure and services while contributing to enhanced community safety in selected...