KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Tuesday said it would continue to work “assiduously” with the Jamaican authorities” on an economic programme that would help address the challenges caused by high debt and low growth. “Over the last three decades, the Jamaican economy has experienced very low economic growth, declining productivity, and reduced international competitiveness.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Members of the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) walked out of Parliament during the debate on a J$15.9-billion (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.01 cents) tax package presented by government, less than 24 hours after it asked nationals to support stringent measures in order for the island to seal a multi-million dollar Stand By Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Finance Minister Dr.
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Observer teams from the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation of American States (OAS) have arrived here to monitor the February 19 general elections. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that a seven member team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping is expected here on Wednesday. “The Commonwealth is pleased to lend its support to the people of Grenada as they exercise their democratic franchise in electing their leaders.
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Less than a week before Grenadians go to the polls to elect a new government, four minority political parties have been told they would not be able to have their advertised symbols placed on the ballot paper. The parties – The Movement for Independent Candidates (MIC), National United Front (NUF), the People United Labour Party (PULP) and the Grenada United Patriotic Movement (GUPM) – say they have been told that this is due to the fact that the symbols had not been officially gazetted.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has called on voters to reject the man seeking his job and ensure that the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is returned to power for another five year term on February 21. Stuart, addressing supporters in the St. Peter’s constituency on Monday night, said that Owen Arthur, the leader of the Barbados labour Party (BLP) and a former prime minister had “fallen very far short of the expectations of the people. “From 1984 until the year 2013 in the month of February, he had a chance to prove himself to the people of St. Peter.
WASHINGTON, CMC - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is welcoming the “gradual recovery” of the Bahamas economy, supported by a rebound in tourism and ongoing investment projects. However, the Washington-based financial institution said unemployment remains high and that the economy faces “downside risks from an uncertain external environment, while fiscal and external imbalances have widened”.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are being urged to review their visa regimes so as to lure more visitors to the region. The recommendation comes from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Aviation Task Force, a highly focused committee established to facilitate air transportation into and throughout the Caribbean and to enhance airlift, following a meeting in Antigua to review issues affecting intra-regional travel and make recommendations for increasing consumer demand.
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) I have the distinct pleasure and honour to bring these brief remarks on behalf of the CARICOM Secretariat at this National Stakeholders Awareness Workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage.
BRIDGETOWN—The Central Bank of Barbados says it has developed a new framework for granting licenses for prospective financial institutions seeking to operate here warning that it would reject any applicant if it determines that approval would not be in the public interest. The central bank said that the new framework is in furtherance of its responsibility to regulate and supervise licensees under the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) and the International Financial Service Act (IFSA).
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - Two news stories we published this week have, for us, been particularly heart-warming and most encouraging. For they indicate to us that, amidst the challenges being faced by this country, and the attitude of many that we cannot do anything without an International Monetary Fund agreement, there are, among us, individuals who are engaged in constructive thought.