Jamaica
-
Government moves to restrict granting of waivers
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government says it will soon move to restrict the discretionary power of the finance minister to grant waivers. Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Peter Phillips says a comprehensive review of the discretionary power of the Minister of Finance to grant waivers has been completed, with a view to improving the efficiency of the tax…
Read More » -
EDITORIAL – Cabinet getting on track
KINGSTON, Jamaica – They didn't accomplish as much as they should have, but enough for us not to insist that the Cabinet head back into a special session to get the job done. We now know that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants the Government to be more aggressive about its primary surplus. The target for the next three fiscal…
Read More » -
PM says IMF not only solution to Jamaica’s problems
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government says while an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will it some needed assistance, it is not however the solution to the problems facing the country. “The IMF will not solve the problems of Jamaica. We all have to make some sacrifices and it is us as Jamaicans that will have to…
Read More » -
Jamaica gives assurances to implement EPA agreements
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government says it has given approval for the necessary amendments to be made to the Customs Act as the island implements the tariff liberalisation aspect of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries and the European Union in 2008. The tariff liberalisation will be phased over 25 years with…
Read More » -
Confronting CARICOM’s implementation deficit
KINGSTON, Jamaica – THE recent announcement by the secretary general of the Caribbean Community, Irwin LaRocque, of fresh efforts to restructure the management of the regional economic integration movement would most likely raise new questions about the commitment of Heads of Government to implement decisions unanimously adopted. We are now into the third week of 2013 and as far as…
Read More » -
PM to give update on IMF discussions
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government is expected to update the nation later on Monday “on matters related to aspects of the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to an official statement issued here. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and members of her Cabinet are expected to address the media on the outcome of a three-day special…
Read More » -
Former diplomat says Petrocaribe safe
KINGSTON, Jamaica – FORMER Jamaican Ambassador to Venezuela Clifton Stone thinks that as long as Hugo Chavez's socialist party remains in power there is no danger to the Petrocaribe oil agreement which benefits Jamaica. “The danger would arise if the Opposition prevails and elections are called and they are victorious,” Stone told the Jamaica Observer. “[Henrique] Capriles and the Opposition…
Read More » -
EDITORIAL – The IMF, Cabinet and the retreat
KINGSTON, Jamaica – We are not as concerned as most that Jamaica hasn't yet concluded a borrowing agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For failure to conclude a deal will further narrow our options in the financial markets and perhaps force us into a cold-turkey kicking of our borrowing habit. Our greater fear is that the Government lacks the…
Read More » -
Cabinet issues directive to complete IMF talks
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) last night indicated that Cabinet has received an update from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) negotiating team and given directions for transmission to the IMF staff in order to bring about a conclusion to the negotiations. The update was received during day one of a special three-day meeting of the…
Read More »