The recession: The Problem


Jamaica Gleaner: “The recession: The Problem”

In an address which I gave at the Bank of Jamaica auditorium on February 9, 1984, I reported on the Jamaican outcome over the first three years, 1981-83, compared with that of other countries.


Jamaica Observer: “JDX successful beyond expectations — World Bank”

THE implementation of the Jamaica Debt Exchange (JDX) as a means of reducing interest payments on the country’s huge debt burden has proven successful beyond expectations said the World Bank Group’s Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Pamela Cox.

Downgrading the rating agencies


Jamaica Observer: “Downgrading the rating agencies”

THE pronouncements of rating agencies continue to wield tremendous power over the ability of governments and companies to access international capital markets and the terms on which they secure financing.


Jamaica Observer: “Making the case for economic stimulus”

When we are faced with a slowdown in earnings, it is always natural to seek to reduce spending and hunker down for more difficult times. This reaction is logical when we are faced with uncertainty and is the principle behind business and consumer confidence measures.


Jamaica Observer: “S&P lowers Barbados to brink of junk”

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services lowered its rating on Barbados to the brink of junk territory, saying the island nation’s debt burden will increase at least in the next two years.


Jamaica Observer: “Only slight US economic gains expected in 2011”

THE new US Congress that begins in January will confront an American economy and a job market that will improve only slightly next year, according to an Associated Press survey of leading economists that found them gloomier than they were three months ago.

Government’s lack of fiscal discipline drove up interest rates — Bowen


“Jamaica Observer: Government’s lack of fiscal discipline drove up interest rates — Bowen”

Scotiabank’s president and CEO Bruce Bowen provided participants in Mayberry’s Monthly Investor Forum on Wednesday with a cursory glance at how interest rates are set in Jamaica.


Jamaica Observer: “The objective of economic development”

If you don’t know where you are going then any road will take you there. This is obvious, as without a destination in mind then there is clearly no incorrect strategy, as wherever you end up will be appropriate for the strategy employed.


Jamaica Observer: “Audley Shaw: Man on a mission Part II”

In the first part of this article, the Minister of Finance Audley Shaw gave an account of his recent trip to Washington to meet with multilateral officials where he gave a comprehensive update of Jamaica’s economic progress to date.