Jamaica : Thirteenth Review under the Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility-Press Release and Staff Report

Stable but slow expansion. Inflation and the current account deficit continue to be contained, thanks to relatively low oil prices and the government's policy efforts. Growth is projected to be 1.7 percent for FY2016/17 with improving prospects for investment, including in tourism and strong agricultural recovery. Unemployment, however, remains high, hampered by the weak activity in recent years. The poverty rate is also high at about 20 percent of the population. Exemplary performance under the program. All performance criteria and structural benchmarks have been met. Based on the authorities' continued strong program implementation and their forward-looking policy commitments, staff recommends completion of the thirteenth review.