UPDATE: Cabinet issues directive to IMF negotiating team

Jamaica House is reporting that the Cabinet today gave certain directions to the team negotiating with the staff of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a bid to conclude their negotiations.

The issue was among the priorities discussed this morning on day one of the three-day Cabinet retreat.

In a release this afternoon, Jamaica House said this morning Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller outlined the Administration’s focus on growth, development and job creation.



She also reportedly emphasized that in order to achieve this over the medium term it is vital that the national debt is reduced.

The Prime Minister is reported to have said it is necessary to secure an agreement with the IMF which will underpin the economic reform while securing the protection of the poor and the most vulnerable in the society.

Today, the Cabinet also received an update from the IMF negotiating team.

Jamaica House says over the next two days the Cabinet will continue to review and complete the growth and development agenda for the country for the 2013/2014 period and the medium term.

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