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Jamaica Secures IMF Support Amid Economic Resilience Efforts

2024-09-01 05:36:38.837000

Jamaica has successfully secured US$1.2 billion in rainy day funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which includes US$258 million from the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) and US$980 million from the Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL). These funds reflect the IMF's confidence in Jamaica's ongoing economic reforms and are intended as a precautionary measure against severe economic shocks, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, which tested the country's resilience. Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke emphasized the importance of a disaster risk financing strategy, noting that Jamaica received a US$16.3 million payout from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility following the hurricane. The government is also accessing additional funds from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to bolster its financial stability. Furthermore, Jamaica has launched a National Natural Disaster Risk Financing Policy to enhance its preparedness for future crises. The economy has shown promising signs, with a reported 2% growth in the fiscal year 2023/24, declining unemployment rates, and inflation remaining within target ranges. International reserves stand at US$5.2 billion, and GDP growth is projected to stabilize, with public debt expected to fall below 60% of GDP by the fiscal year 2027/28. However, the country remains cautious of risks posed by global economic fluctuations and natural disasters. [dd273464]

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