The IMF is a Necessary Stop Gap Posted on June 26, 2009June 29, 2009 by Your Financial FactSheet Jamaica Observer: “The IMF is a Necessary Stop Gap” Much debate has taken place on whether or not Jamaica should approach the IMF for some facility to support the Balance of Payments challenge we face. Some have gone as far as to document their feeling for and against the IMF, including emotional responses to the past record of the IMF. Jamaica Observer: “The IMF, Today and Tomorrow” The International Monetary Fund’s history tells its story. History, however, may not be a reliable predictor of the Fund’s future.