The Jamaican Economy

This book analyzes the main causes of deterioration in the Jamaican economy since 1972 and assesses the prospects for returning to a period of stable growth under an International Monetary Fund Stabilization program. Considering both the role of international economic conditions and domestic policies on Jamaica's economic decline, Dr. Looney compares the viability of the socialist model of development, implemented between 1972 and 1980, with that of the U.S.-sponsored supply side model. He raises important questions about the ability of small open economies to sustain acceptable rates of growth in the existing world economic environment, the effectiveness of IMF Stabilization programs on these economies, the possible impact of supply side development strategies, and the significance of Caribbean Basin Initiative policies for growth and stability in the area.

This ambitious book provides a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of Jamaica’s ties to the International Monetary Fund, focusing on Jamaica’s historical relationship with the IMF and reflecting on the domestic and international discourse surrounding the evolution of this relationship. Notably, this volume presents a critical analysis of Jamaica’s first engagement with and departure from the IMF and interrogates the political economy of the period. Jamaica’s economic experiences are assessed in the context of major global events, including the food price crises of 2007 and the global economic crises of 2008 and 2009. This book also looks at policy implications, and its well-researched analysis will be of great value to practitioners and policymakers as well as academics.

This book is a compilation of important contributions from noted scholars, articles derived from JAMPROs Jamaica Investment Forum 2015 written by members of the UWI Mona, WJC faculty as well as significant presentations from the policy makers who form the government of Jamaica. Importantly, this work focuses on examining the centrality of policies coupled with innovation in the transformation of Jamaica as the place to live, raise families and do business as espoused by the Vision 2030 national development plan. This joint work highlights the fundamental role that JAMPRO as the key agency for promoting Foreign Direct Investment in Jamaica plays in the thrust for economic growth and development. Importantly, we highlight some key contributors to the progress we have made in Jamaica through cases of home-grown multinationals such as the Grace Kennedy and Company Limited, LASCO, Kingston Wharves Limited, Sandals (ATL Group), while further noting areas that, with continued thrust and the right policies can fast-track our transformation. The key areas identified are Logistics, Agriculture, ICT/BPO (outsourcing) and Manufacturing. This book provides a valuable contribution to the literature on economic transformation, examining the history, current and new paradigms for the future in order to fast-track the economic transformation of Jamaica.

Despite having a number of potential attributes (such as being English-speaking, having poverty levels below that of comparable countries and a reasonably well-educated labour force), Jamaicas economic history is marked by the paradoxes of low growth in GDP and high employment despite high investment and important achievements in poverty reduction. This publication seeks to examines these issues, and topics discussed include: poverty reduction and income inequality; whether Jamaicas GDP growth has been underestimated; policy options for reducing the fiscal and debt burden, revitalising the financial system; improving education outcomes, tackling the economic costs of crime, and improving international competitiveness.