OVERVIEW 2018

INTRODUCTION

The year 2018 represented a watershed year for Jamaica as all the key performance targets were met and several
all-time best performances were achieved. With respect to the economy, some of the major achievements include the
out-turn for the following indicators:

6th consecutive
1.9% growth year of growth

highest growth rate GDP level has surpassed the pre-crisis (2007) highest GDP level
since 2006 level for the first time ever in Jamaica

Unemployment rate declined to a low of 8.4%

in July 2018, the lowest rate on record
LABOUR FORCE

Highest ever employment level of

1 222 600 persons during July 2018

At the end of December 2018 the Interest Rates – the weighted

debt-to-GDP ratio reached 96.1 average interest rate of 14.09 per
per cent, representing the lowest cent for 2018 was the lowest on
rate recorded since 2008 record since 1996.

The overall improvement in the macro-economy The country successfully completed

and the strengthening of the growth momentum was the two scheduled reviews under the
supported by the positive movement in the Business three-year Precautionary Stand-By
and Consumer confidence; increased private sector FROM THE IMF Arrangement with the International
credit; and relatively low inflation. In addition, the Monetary Fund (IMF). This brought
World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 report indicated that the total Special Drawing Rights available to Jamaica as
Jamaica remained one of the best performing countries at the end of 2018, to approximately US$1.2 billion. In
in the Latin America & the Caribbean region with an addition to the focus on fiscal and growth enhancing
improvement in the Ease of Doing Business. reforms, the Arrangement with the IMF also placed

i
ii OVERVIEW 2018

emphasis on various social reforms aimed at protecting employed labour

Population at force averaged
the most vulnerable in the society. This was underscored Positive 91.0% of the
2 726 700
by the high proportion of the new Official Development down from trends within labour force, up
2 728 900 the labour from 88.3% in
Assistance (ODA) allocated for social reforms. Of the market 2017
total new ODA flows for 2018, approximately 73.0 per
cent was directed towards the Social Infrastructure
sector.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) took the and disease management, integrated
form of loans, grants weed management as well as the
unemployment
and technical assistance development of high-yielding resilient rate averaged
Official Development crop varieties. 9.1%, down 2.6
which were aimed at
Assistance increased percentage points
supporting development Developments within the Social
by 8.7% to
pla ns , prog ra m mes Sectors pointed to several challenges
US$2.5 billion
($324.3 billion) and projects. Of the and opportunities which must be effectively managed
total ODA, US$220.7 to support the achievement of Jamaica’s long-term
million ($28.6 billion) development goals. At the end of 2018, the population
represented new ODA compared with US$787.2 million stood at 2 726 700, down from 2 728 900 in 2017,
($101.0 billion) in the previous year. representing the second consecutive year of negative
Developments in t he a rea of Su stainable population growth. This out-turn reflected the tradeoff
Development focused among births of 33 100, deaths of 18 900, and net
on strengthening the external movements of negative 15 900. The Jamaican
pol ic y f r a mework population is now categorized at the advanced stage of
and improving the demographic transition, with an ageing population
capacity in disaster structure. This is characterized by a declining child
r i s k m a n a ge me nt population, a relatively large working age group and
and adaptation to an increase in the dependent elderly population. This
climate change. There development creates the potential to reap a ‘demographic
was the approval of dividend’, providing that appropriate investments are
several new pieces of made in human resources for social and economic
legislations and amendments to existing Acts to improve development. This ‘demographic dividend’ is achievable
regulation and management of the sector. Other areas as 69.7 per cent of the population are persons of working
of focus included improved land management and age.
spatial planning as well as capacity building for key The Education and Training sector continued to
stakeholders. record improved out-turns at the national level. An
There was significant investment in the use of Science, estimated 73.7 per cent (up from 73.2 per cent) of persons
Technology & Innovation (STI) to drive competitiveness in the school-age cohort (3–24 years old) was enrolled
and product development and expansion during the in educational institutions. A major focus of the Health
year. An estimated $5.7 billion was expended on STI sector was on developing proposals on the feasibility and
initiatives, including the Cannabis Product Development sustainability of health financing. During the year, an
Programme, where activities estimated 86.2 per cent of Jamaicans reported being in
focused on the development good health, with better health reported among males
$5.7 of medicinal, therapeutic and and younger age groups. However, the sector continued
BILLION scientific marijuana as well to face several challenges, including incomplete
SPENT ON STI as conduct of trace element infrastructural repairs at the Cornwall Regional
ACTIVITIES analysis. Other activities Hospital, inadequate supportive diagnostic services and
included research on pest a persistent shortage of health professionals in health
 iii

facilities islandwide. results. Emphasis also was placed on communicating

MURDER
I n the area of Social RATE
the Plan to a range of stakeholder groups, including the
Development, efforts were DOWN BY general public. The main highlights for the year include:
focused on inclusive social 22.0% —— Preparation and finalization of the Medium Term
protection and concentrated Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) 2018–
on addressing various needs 2021
within vulnerable population —— Continue the implementation of a robust monitoring
groups, and expanding the and evaluation system which includes:
delivery and reach of social services. This also included a −− Preparation of Jamaica’s Development
focus on child development and related issues. National Results 2009/10–2017/18
Security and Justice remained a key area of priority with −− Thematic Working Groups (TWGs)
a 19.0 per cent increase in the budgetary allocation to —— Sharing the Vision – The Vision 2030 Jamaica
this area. Some successes were recorded as a result of C om mu n ic at ions a nd C or por ate S oc ia l
the strategies employed with a reduction in the number Responsibility Programme.
of crimes reported, particularly murder, which declined
by 22.0 per cent. Preparation and Finalization of the Medium Term
Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) 2018–2021

VISION 2030 JAMAICA – NATIONAL During the reporting period, much of the work of the
DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Vision 2030 Jamaica – National

Development Plan is the country’s
first long-term strategic development
plan designed to enable Jamaica to
achieve developed country status by
2030; and provides a comprehensive
planning framework in which the
economic, social, environmental and
governance dimensions of national
development are integrated. The Plan,
which was approved in Parliament in
2009, is based on the vision statement:
“Jamaica, the place of choice to live,
work, raise families and do business”.
Vision 2030 Jamaica is built
on a results-based management
framework, comprising 4 National
Goals, 15 National Outcomes and a
strategic and operational framework
geared towards the achievement of the
goals and outcomes.
During 2018, the Vision 2030
Jamaica Secretariat continued
to monitor a nd eva luate t he
implementation of the Plan and
report on the country’s development
iv OVERVIEW 2018

Vision 2030 Jamaica Monitoring and Evaluation

Secretariat focused
on the preparation In keeping with its mandate to monitor and evaluate
of the 4 th Medium the implementation of the National Development Plan,
Term Socio-Economic as well as to prepare and submit timely progress reports
Polic y Fra mework to stakeholders, the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat,
(M T F), w h ic h i s published Jamaica’s Development Results 2009/10 –
the implementation 2017/18.
framework of Vision
2030 Ja ma ica – An Assessment of Our Country’s Performance
National Development
Plan and covers the For MTF 2015–2018, 67 indicators were used to
period 2018–2021. The assess progress in meeting the medium term targets
MTF is aligned to the overall vision, goals and national and advancement towards the 2030 targets and goals.
outcomes of Vision 2030 Jamaica and allows for a stage Measurement of the national development results is
by stage operationalization of the long-term National against 2018 targets for indicators with 2016, 2017 and
Development Plan. 2018 data and against 2015 targets for indicators with
A total of 50 workshops and meetings were held with pre-2016 data. Based on the latest available data as at end
over 800 stakeholders from the public and private sector, December 2018, the overall progress of implementation
trade unions, civil society, academia, the international of Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan
development community, youth and children. During under successive MTFs (2009–2012, 2012–2015 and
the preparation process of the MTF, a SWOT analysis 2015–2018) has been mixed. Over the period 2015–2018,
was also undertaken. The team also conducted an Jamaica saw development gains in several areas:
assessment of the key achievements under the 15 —— Human capital development
National Outcomes for the period 2015–2018. —— Macroeconomic stability
MTF 2018–2021 process took into account other —— Reduction in unemployment
planning documents and frameworks such as: Cabinet —— Increases in the use of non-fossil fuel based energy
Priorities, the Economic Growth Council’s “Call such as alternatives and renewables
to Action”, Whole of Government Business Plan, —— Governance particularly in control and corruption
the corporate and operational plans of government and government effectiveness
ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs); Agenda —— Key economic industries particularly tourism and
2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the associated agriculture
targets under each goal as well as the defined SDG —— Infrastructural development
accelerators contained in “Jamaica’s Road Map for the However, the period also saw increases in crime
Implementation of the SDGs”. rates, low levels of economic growth, a general increase
The Medium-Term National Strategic Priorities to be in the number of communicable diseases, a fall in
addressed under MTF 2018–2021 are: environmental sustainability, and poverty, particularly
—— Human Capital Development rural poverty remains at undesirable levels.
—— Social Protection and Social Inclusion
—— Values and Attitudes Report on Jamaica’s Development Results 2009/10
—— Rule of Law and Timely Justice – 2017/18
—— Public Sector Efficiency and Effectiveness
—— Economic Stability, Growth and Employment The overall progress of implementation of Vision 2030
—— International Competitiveness Jamaica – National Development Plan under successive
—— Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change MTFs (2009–2012, 2012–2015 and 2015–2018) has been
Response mixed. A summary of the progress made under the
 v

framework of national outcome indicators and targets with 169 targets to advance - People, Planet, Prosperity,
for the Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Peace and Partnership. This is not dissimilar to the
Plan indicates that of a total of 67 indicators, 56.8 per overarching vision for Jamaica and our national goals
cent have shown improvement over the baseline year and outcomes as well as our country’s guiding principles.
2007 based on results to 2017/18, while 35.8 per cent Given the relatively close alignment between the
showed no improvement or worsened relative to the SDGs and Vision 2030 Jamaica, work commenced on
baseline year of 2007. Seven point five per cent of the the planning process for a new project called “Advancing
indicators could not be compared in this way due to a the SDGs through Vision 2030 Jamaica Project” for
lack of agreed targets for the relevant period. implementation between January–December 2019.
JAMAICA'S DEVELOPMENT RESULTS 2009/10
TO DECEMBER 2018 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

GLOBAL
GROWTH
3.7%
Met or Improved Equal to or Could not
exceeded over Baseline worse than be
target
(2018)
but did not
meet target
baseline year
of 2007
measured During 2018, global output was estimated to have
increased by 3.7 per cent facilitated by accommodative
Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) monetary policies, domestic investment expenditure,
improved labour market conditions, and increased
The Thematic Working Groups consisting of domestic consumption. The expansion of the United
membership from the public and private sectors, civil States of America (US) economy drove the growth of
society and international development partners, were Advanced Economies, while growth in China pushed
established as part of the monitoring and evaluation the growth of the Emerging Market & Developing
framework, for Vision 2030 Jamaica. The work of the 13 Economies. Within the Emerging Market & Developing
existing TWGs continued with over 25 TWG meetings Economies group, the Caribbean also experienced
being held during the year. A main highlight from the growth, which was driven by tourism, as the region
TWGs1, for the reporting period, was the preparation of recovered from natural disasters.
a draft National STI Policy. The rise in global growth is linked to the rise in
global trade (exports plus imports). The increase in
The Alignment of Vision 2030 Jamaica with the trade occurred despite mounting trade tensions arising
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from new and increased trade barriers and strained
geopolitical relationships. Trade was also impacted by
Vision 2030 Jamaica serves as the axis around which supply disruptions resulting from unfavourable weather
efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals conditions affecting grain production and strengthened
will be organized. The Sustainable Development Goals environmental regulations interrupting the production
(SDGs) are an interdependent set of 17 development goals of fertilizer and alumina.

1. Health, Population, Education and Training, National Social Protection Committee (NSPC – TWG proxy), National Security,
Governance, Justice, Strong Economic Infrastructure, Energy and Minerals Development, Science, Technology and Innovation
(STI), Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Management, and Hazard Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate
Change.
vi OVERVIEW 2018

These events also impacted prices globally. Increased counterpart resources in the form of loans, grants and
prices were registered for Energy, Grains, Fertilizers technical assistance was US$2.5 billion ($324.3 billion),
and Base Metals, while there was a decline in prices an 8.7 per cent increase compared with 2017. Of the total
for Beverages and Other Foods. Inflation, measured ODA, US$220.7 million ($28.6 billion) was approved
by the change in consumer prices, rose above the 2017 for new ODA compared with US$787.2 million ($101.0
rates for Advanced Economies and Emerging Market billion) in 2017. This reduction was attributed primarily
& Developing Economies. The rise in inflation was to lower levels of assistance from bilateral partners,
generally supported by higher crude oil prices. For specifically from the People’s Republic of China from
Emerging Market & Developing Economies, the increase which the Government of Jamaica sought no new loans
in the inflation rate was also attributed to currency and fewer grants during the period.
depreciation. Assistance from the Multilateral Financing
Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows fell, Institutions (MFIs) accounted for 75.5 per cent of new
in response to the US corporate income tax reform which resources. New ODA focused on the Social Infrastructure
reduced the incentive for US multinational companies sector in the amount of US$160.6 million ($20.8 billion),
to hold profits abroad. However, inflows to Developing of which the health sector received the largest share.
Economies increased although some regions and Support was also provided as budget support for public
countries in the group, such as Latin America & the financial management, fiscal consolidation, education
Caribbean, Nigeria and Angola, registered decreases. reform, as well as investment loans to support social
The intensity of trade relations escalated throughout protection, expand road infrastructure, and grants to
the year as the future of the World Trade Organization assist with the development of irrigation networks.
Appellate Body remained uncertain and the US Loan approvals
implemented new barriers and sanctions. Further amounted to
LOAN
contributing to trade uncertainty, the United Kingdom US$130.0 million
(UK) continued to plan how to exact its departure from DISBURSEMENTS ($16.9 billion), a
the European Union. Among the global tension, progress UP US$96.8 decrease of 80.9
was made in maintaining some trade agreements. MILLION per cent compared
Negotiations began for the successor to the Cotonou with 2017 as the
Agreement; talks regarding the CARIFORUM-UK Government d id
Economic Partnership Agreement developed; and not negotiate any new loans with the People’s Republic
the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade of China. New grants totalled US$90.7 million ($11.8
Agreement culminated with the signing of the United billion), a decrease of 15.9 per cent.
States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Total loan disbursements from the GOJ’s main
USMCA which includes chapters on intellectual lending partners2 recorded an increase from US$189.7
property and digital trade, modernised the predecessor million ($24.6 billion) to US$286.5 million ($37.2
agreement. billion). This increase resulted from disbursements of
US$105.0 million ($13.6 billion) under two IDB budget
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA) support programmes during the year. There was a
marginal increase from US$301.9 million ($39.2 million)
Assistance from International Development Partners to US$302.7 million ($39.3 billion) for repayments of
(IDPs) was guided by the strategic objectives in the principal, interest and other charges. As a result, the GOJ
Vision 2030 Jamaica–National Development Plan and maintained a negative net flow position in the amount of
the Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework US$16.2 million ($2.1 billion) for 2018.
(MTF) 2015–2018. In 2018, total ODA and Government Going forward, the areas which are expected to

2. Caribbean Development Bank, Government of the People’s Republic of China, Inter-American Development Bank and the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) - The World Bank
 vii

benefit from ODA, include security, social protection, activity. A total of 35 Automatic Weather Stations were
rural water, agriculture, community tourism, disaster installed to support improved climate data collection
risk reduction & climate change adaptation. and monitoring; the real-time hydromet network was
upgraded and a Situation Room established at the Water
Resources Authority (WRA) towards more accurate,
timely and reliable management of hydromet data
and improved forecasting and assessments. A number
of persons received training in SD related activities
throughout the year, including over 200 farmers who
were trained in climate smart agricultural techniques,
crop nutrition and land husbandry. Over 100 Voluntary
Observers and Automatic Weather Station partners
received training in the use of rain gauges and automatic
weather stations.
Other highlights in the sector included the launch
of a national climate change Information Education
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & SCIENCE, and Behaviour Change campaign under the slogan
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION “Smart and Steady get Climate Ready” and signing of a
€16.6million budget support programme between the
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (SD) GOJ and the EU towards the sustainable management
of the island’s forests.
Much of the activities within the sector were centred The thrust towards improved land management
on strengthening the policy framework and improving and spatial planning was bolstered by the attainment
capacity in disaster risk management and adaptation of all-island coverage of Development Orders with the
to climate change. These activities were supported by completion of four Provisional Development Orders.
budgetary allocations of $16.7 billion, which represented With respect to the development approval process, a
1.0 per cent of the total GOJ budget. total of 5 230 building/planning applications, valued3
In the policy arena, Cabinet approved The Trade at an estimated $71.8 billion, were submitted to
(Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition) Order, 2018 Municipal Corporations during the year. The majority
and The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (87.3 per cent) were in the residential category followed
(Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition) Order 2018, by commercial (6.0 per cent). Some 4 387 applications
which outline restrictions on the importation and or valued at approximately $45.4 billion were approved,
distribution of certain types of single-use plastics, straws 88.7 per cent of which were approved within 90 days.
and expanded polystyrene products. The Fisheries Act, Indicators of environmental health showed mixed
2018; The Building Act, 2018; the Road Traffic Act, 2018 results. On the positive side, over 250ha of denuded lands
and the Ballast Water Management Act, 2018 were also were reforested and over 2 000 red mangrove seedlings
approved in the House of Representatives to guide the planted. Per capita solid waste generation declined, as
sustainable development of fisheries, transportation and did reported incidents of pollution. However, the island
the built environment. continued to face challenges with marine water quality
Capacity building activities to support disaster risk and the management of marine ecosystems. The health of
management and climate resilience planning were coral reefs, as measured by the Coral Reef Health Index,
advanced with the upgrading of the seismograph was ranked poor for the fourth consecutive year, and
network and the development of a new seismic station the average biomass of herbivorous and commercially
to enhance monitoring and response to seismic

3. Based on an estimation of the contribution of building construction and subdivisions to the economic/investment profile of a
parish.
viii OVERVIEW 2018

imported fish declined with their volumes ranked as conduct of trace element analysis for different varieties.
critical. Other R&D activities featured pest and disease
management (including use of bio-control agents),
integrated weed management as well as the development
of high-yielding resilient crop varieties. The crop
AVERAGE ANNUAL research included experimental trials and/or evaluations
RAINFALL BELOW 30-YR of 30 varieties of coffee; eight onion varieties; 10 cassava
MEAN varieties and other crops such as sugarcane, citrus, irish
potato, ginger and sweet yams. In animal husbandry,
there was focus on breeding issues and improving
livestock nutrition. The results from experimentation
Average annual rainfall was below the 30-year mean with formulations from local fodder sources using total
for most parishes, and the entire island experienced mixed ration (TMR) technology indicated potential for
normal drought conditions during the June/July period. commercial production of a TMR product that could
Assessed by month and parish, there were 27 incidents increase livestock productivity and herd size in the
of normal drought (20 more than the previous year), context of changing climatic conditions. The application
10 severe (eight more than the previous year) and one of an extract from a naturally sourced anti-parasitic
incident of extreme drought during the year. Heavy agent (Azadirachita indica) to treat gastrointestinal
rains and associated f looding in January and May infestation in livestock proved positive. This led to
resulted in the loss of one life and damages and losses commencement of work to commercialize the low-cost
of over $500.0 million. In terms of fires, 39 fire-related veterinary nutraceuticals.
deaths and 97 injuries were recorded during the year, the The thrust toward energy diversification, efficiency
majority of victims (84.7 per cent) were males. and security advanced with the conduct of vehicular
trials using B5, a 5.0 per cent castor oil biofuel blend;
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION (STI) completion of a 45-day data collection exercise as part
of oil and gas exploration in one of 20 available offshore
Science, technology and innovation (STI) continued blocks; and commencement of a feasibility study to
to play a role in driving development toward a evaluate the viability of developing an offshore wind
technology-enabled, innovation-driven society and facility. At the same time, public sector energy efficiency
increasing Jamaica’s global competitiveness. Expansion was enhanced through the implementation of 27 projects
in the use of biotechnology, particularly in agriculture financed by the GOJ in the sum of $500.0 million.
and health; increased production and use of renewable These included upgrades to the energy infrastructure
energy; and the ramping up of ICT based service delivery at selected hospitals, schools and other public facilities.
in the public sector also served to advance the STI Other notable developments in the sector included:
agenda. - installation under the JPS Smart Streetlight
Investments in STI related activities for FY2018/19 Programme of over 5 000 smart LED streetlights
totalled $5 763.2 million or 0.7 per cent of the total - completion by the UWI of a co-generation
national budget. Among other things, the investments facility to meet its electricity needs and produce
facilitated business and product development and excess for sale
enhancing the policy framework in support of micro, - upgrading of the Solar Park initiative by the
small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Special CMU.
emphasis was placed on fostering industry through Capacity building activities throughout the STI
research and development (R&D). Under the Cannabis landscape continued to strengthen human capital
Product Development Programme, approximately for development. These included various training,
$172.0 million was allocated towards the development of workshops and seminars. Enrolment in STI related
medicinal, therapeutic and scientific marijuana as well as undergraduate degrees at the UWI, UTech Jamaica and
 ix

inception as well as to propose the

E-Government
best way forward, was completed. The
Development Index
general findings included:
Global —— The constraints to growth were
Competitiveness
accurately identified and the initiatives
Index
recom mended to add ress t he
Global weaknesses were adequate, however,
Innovation only limited impact on growth was
Index
observed. This was attributed to:
Teledensity —— Delays in project
Indicator & implementation: 50.0 per cent of
Internet Access
the projects experienced delays in
implementation.
Northern Caribbean University increased by 1.4 per cent
—— Ineffective implementation of projects: More than
relative to 2017 and the number of graduates was 2 337
30.0 per cent of the initiatives were assessed as being
with 75.3 per cent being female. STI education across
either ineffectively implemented or only somewhat
higher education institutions was enhanced through the
effectively implemented.
offering of 20 new and/or improved STI related courses.
—— Weak Monitoring & Evaluation framework: The
Jamaica recorded improved performance in STI
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks
indicators.
employed appear to be ineffective and need to be
built into the design of initiatives. Limited resources,
GROWTH INDUCEMENT INITIATIVES especially human resource and capacity (i.e. inability
to execute required tasks based on skills/ wrong type
Launched in 2012, the Growth Inducement Strategy of staff on projects) were identified as the main cause
for Jamaica (GIS) represented a comprehensive agenda for the delays and ineffective implementation and
to drive significant, sustainable and inclusive economic monitoring.
growth in the Short and Medium Term. During 2018, - Project impacts were being limited due
a study to assess and evaluate the progress and the to scale. Consideration needs to be
outcomes of 42 key initiatives implemented since its given to whether initiatives reach the
x OVERVIEW 2018

intended beneficiaries on a scale that and steps involved in getting electricity.

allows them to have a national impact. —— Revision of the Development Approval Review
—— Need to continue the broad-based reform efforts that Process (DARP): An Action Plan was formulated
are fundamental to inducing growth, including: to clear a backlog of development applications
−− Crime which continues to be an impediment and decrease the approval steps to 90 days or less
to investment and a significant cost to doing (where no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
business in Jamaica, and adversely affects is required). It is expected that this streamlining
real GDP growth. could generate 1.0 to 2.0 per cent GDP growth. Key
−− Disaster risk reduction and climate change activities undertaken included:
adaptation, given the forecast for increased −− work on the audit and development of the
frequency and intensity of extreme weather Jamaica Development Approval Portal
events (such as drought, f loods, and (JDAP) to include online submissions,
hurricanes). electronic payment and tracking using the
−− Deficiencies in the country’s educational AMANDA software to be launched in 2019
system related to human resource capacity −− the creation of Development Orders for most
issues and business innovation issues. parishes and submission for approval
Reform of early childhood, primary and −− Broadband connectivity and UPS systems for
secondary level education has been identified Municipal Corporations.
as a key priorities. Key growth-related legislation passed in 2018
During the year, efforts aimed at strengthening the included:
Business Environment and driving growth involved the −− The Building Act 2018 – provisions include
following key initiatives: ensuring public safety and welfare, ensuring
—— National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS): the accessibility and safety for individuals
commenced work on the rollout of 53 action plans with disabilities, promoting sustainable
led by a steering committee and four technical development, and militating against
Working Groups. informal settlements. The Act also establishes
—— MSME and Entrepreneurial Policy: In June 2018 Municipalities as the authorities responsible
the updated policy was tabled as a White Paper and for certifying, inspecting and taking
advanced through the implementation of steering the necessary actions to change existing
committees and TWGs as well as the development structures, approve new buildings, and
of action plans. destroy structures deemed to be dangerous.
—— Continued implementation of the Foundations for −− Protection of Geographical Indications Bill
Competitiveness and Growth Project (FCGP): this 2018 – provisions include stronger protection
is a US$50 million, six-year project financed by the of local goods originating in the territory of
World Bank designed to strengthen the business a region or locality where a given quality,
environment and increase private sector investment reputation or other characteristic of the good
pursued under three components: is essentially attributable to its geographical
−− Component 1: Enhancing competition in the origin, thereby protecting Jamaica’s brand,
business environment reputation and innovations.
−− Component 2: Facilitating Strategic Private −− The Public Procurement (Amendment) Act
Investments 2018 – makes provisions to enhance the
−− C omp one nt 3: SM E P ro duc t i v it y potential for micro, small and medium-
Improvement sized enterprises (MSMEs) to compete
—— The work of the National Competitiveness Council for Government contracts; increase the
(NCC): work focused on the development of online efficiency of public entities in delivering
registration of companies and decreasing the time timely services, thereby increasing public
 xi

confidence in Government; harmonise grown by 1.9 per cent. The Goods Producing Industry
documentation; and allow for electronic grew by 5.0 per cent while the Services Industry recorded
submission of bids. growth of 0.9 per cent. The performance during 2018
−− The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities represented the sixth consecutive year of economic
Regulatory Authority (JACRA) – Pursuant growth; the first time since the financial crisis of 2008
to the Jamaica Agricultural Regulatory that real GDP levels exceeded the pre-crisis level; and the
Authority Act of 2017, the JACRA was strongest growth rate on record since 2006.
established in 2018 for the regulation, Point-to-Point Inflation for the year was 2.4 per cent.
promotion, standardization and development This was driven by inflationary impulses emanating
of the agricultural commodities industry, mainly from increased prices for agricultural items
including cocoa, coffee, coconut and spices and higher international crude oil prices. The weighted
such as nutmeg, pimento, ginger and average selling rate of the Jamaican dollar at the end of
turmeric. 2018 was $127.72 per US$1.00, representing a nominal
depreciation of 2.2 per cent, which in real terms
translated to a depreciation rate of 1.6 per cent. The
THE ECONOMY
core objective of the Central Bank is price stability
and a target band of 4.0 per cent to 6.0 per cent was
MACROECONOMIC POLICIES AND PERFORMANCE
established. The inflation fluctuated in and out of the
band throughout the year, which prompted the Bank of
Macroeconomic Policies
Jamaica to adopt an accommodative monetary policy. As
a result the Central Bank reduced its Overnight Policy
The macroeconomic policy framework remains
Rate by a total of 150 basis points throughout the year
focused on sustaining economic stability, engendering
from 3.25 per cent to 1.75 per cent.
robust economic growth, boosting employment and
Central Government operations generated a fiscal
reducing the incidence of poverty. These policy outcomes
surplus of $19.2 billion for April–December 2018
are consistent with the objectives of Vision 2030
compared with a budgeted deficit of $3.9 billion. This
Jamaica - National Development Plan which is being
reflected the combined effect of a 2.6 per cent higher than
implemented through a series of three-year strategic
planned Revenue & Grants and a 2.6 per cent lower than
Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework
programmed Expenditure (excluding Amortization).
(MTF). The macroeconomic framework is also supported
The primary balance generated for the review period was
by the three-year precautionary Stand-By Arrangement
a surplus of $107.7 billion, which was $21.0 billion higher
with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For
than programmed.
FY2018/19, the key quantitative macroeconomic targets
Against the background of growth in global output
included:
and trade, Jamaica’s external sector reported increased
—— real GDP growth of 2.4 per cent total trade but a deterioration of the trade balance. The
—— inflation of 4.3 per cent trade deficit worsened by US$77.0 million to US$4.2
—— total debt as a share of GDP of 96.2 per cent billion, reflecting a US$592.5 million rise in value of
—— fiscal surplus as a share of GDP of 0.2 per cent imports to US$6.1 billion which outpaced the US$515.5
—— primary surplus as a share of GDP of 7.0 per cent. million rise in the value of exports to US$1.9 billion.
Export earnings were boosted by the exports of Alumina,
Economic Performance
Bauxite and Mineral Fuels, which together accounted
for 77.0 per cent of the value of exports. Increased
Jamaica’s economic performance strengthened expenditure on the imports of Mineral Fuels; Machinery
during the year with most economic variables recording & Transport Equipment; Chemicals; Manufactured
improved outcomes relative to the previous year. Real Goods; and Food were mainly responsible for the rise in
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have the value of Merchandise Imports.
xii OVERVIEW 2018

The Current Account deficit widened by US$385.6 Mining and Quarrying

million to US$463.5 million despite improvements in
the Goods & Service and Secondary sub-accounts. In Real Value Added for GREW BY 33.5%
addition to the increased earnings from exports, the the Mining & Quarrying
Goods & Services account balance improved due to industry grew by 33.5 per
increased tourist expenditure. The Capital Account cent relative to 2017, the
broadened by US$13.1 million to US$20.2 million, while first increase since 2015,
the Financial Account moved from a net borrowing and the largest growth
position of US$1.5 billion to US$1.4 billion. rate since 1989 (35.6 per
cent). The growth in
the industry was due to
SECTORAL PERFORMANCE an increase in Alumina
output, as Crude Bauxite
GOODS PRODUCING INDUSTRY output declined. The increase in Alumina production
was due mainly to ALPART’s refinery being in operations
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
for 12 months in 2018 compared with three months in
2017. Preliminary data revealed total export earnings
The Agriculture, Forestry
grew by 84.5 per cent to US$1 239.1 million, the highest
GROWTH OF & Fishing industry grew by
level since 2008. This out-turn reflected an increase in
4.2% 4.2 per cent relative to 2017
the export value of Alumina and Crude Bauxite.
and accounted for 7.2 per
The performance of the Quarrying sub-industry was
cent of Total Real Value
mixed, with four of the nine minerals reporting growth.
Added. The growth in the
Increase activities was associated with the expansion in
industry was attributed
the Construction industry.
m a i n ly to f avou r a ble
weat her conditions, as
Manufacturing
well as the strengthening
of government programmes, which offered farmers The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture
support in the areas of extension service, irrigation and & Fisheries (MICAF) and other public organizations
marketing in an effort to improve efficiency. In 2017, focused on initiatives that aligned with the Vision 2030
above-normal rainfall led to widespread flooding across Jamaica–National Development Plan, the Medium Term
the island that resulted in damage to crops and livestock, Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) (2015-2018)
and consequently, a contraction in output. and the Government of Jamaica’s (GOJ) Economic
The Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) Agriculture Growth Agenda. Policies and activities were geared at
Production Index (API) indicated that gross output streamlining business approval processes and rectifying
increased for the sub-industries Other Agricultural
Crops (7.2 per cent), Animal Farming (2.3 per cent) and GROWTH
Traditional Export Crops (0.8 per cent). Post Harvest
Activities declined by 27.9 per cent and Fishing by 23.6
OF
per cent. 0.6%
Export earnings from traditional agricultural
commodities were valued at US$18.6 million compared
with US$23.6 million in 2017. The decline in the value of
exports was due mainly to reduced earnings from Coffee,
which fell by 24.6 per cent to US$14.6 million. Coffee
accounted for 78.8 per cent of earnings relative to 82.3
per cent of earnings in 2017.
 xiii

bureaucratic inefficiencies, industrial development and out of commercial properties and hotel construction and
export promotion, as well as more targeted interventions expansion as well as residential activities.
that promote business opportunities and support the The growth in the industry was reflected in the
development of the productive sector. Supporting these performance of various inputs used, such as cement,
initiatives were the work of organizations such as the asphalt, and labour. The supply of cement to the domes-
Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association tic market increased by 7.3 per cent to 963 789 tonnes
(JMEA)4 which provided additional training, marketing and the average number of persons employed in the
and other technical assistance. industry increased by 5 625 persons to 103 450 persons.
Real Value Added for the Manufacturing industry
grew by 0.6 per cent representing the fourth consecutive
SERVICES INDUSTRIES
year of growth and accounted for approximately 8.5 per
cent of total Real Value Added in 2018. This outcome
Energy, Electricity and Water
resulted from growth in the Food, Beverages & Tobacco
and the Other Manufacturing sub-industries, both of
which increased by an estimated 0.6 per cent each. At the
end of 2018, the stock of outstanding Loans & Advances GREW BY
at Commercial Banks to the Manufacturing industry 0.4%
was 35.4 per cent (real increase of 32.2 per cent) higher
than the stock of loans at the end of 2017. The average
annual employment for the Manufacturing industry also
increased relative to 2017.
The Electricity & Water Supply industry grew by 0.4
Construction
per cent relative to 2017, driven by higher electricity
consumption and water production. This performance
UP 2.8% Real value added for
was a reflection of higher demand, as shown by an
the Construction industry
increase in economic activities (Goods Producing and
grew by 2.8 per cent during
Services industries) and an expansion in building stock.
the year, representing the
Electricity generation declined by 0.2 per cent to
sixth consecutive year of
4 355.5 GWh compared with 2017. This resulted from a
growth, and contributed
contraction of 1.8 per cent to 1 795.1 GWh in generation
0.3 per cent to the total
from non-Jamaica Public Service (JPS) sources, which
Real Value Added growth.
outweighed a rise of 1.0 per cent to 2 560.4 GWh in
This performance reflected
output by JPS. Electricity sales grew by 0.1 per cent to
the general improvement
3 201.8 GWh, due to higher demand. The company’s
i n t he e c onomy a nd
revenue expanded by 11.2 per cent to $117.0 billion,
emanated from increased
driven by increases in the customer base and rates
ac t iv it ies i n bot h t he
charged to customers.
Building Construction and Other Construction sub-
The National Water Commission produced
categories. Other Construction ref lected increased
approximately 326 978.6 megalitres of water, an increase
civil engineering activities associated with major
of 1.6 per cent compared with 2017. This ref lected
road construction and rehabilitation works, while the
higher output from the category Other Parishes, which
Building Construction component was influenced by
outweighed lower production from Kingston, St. Andrew
increased non-residential activities associated with build
and St. Thomas. Water consumption fell by 1.2 per cent

4. The Jamaica Manufacturers Association and the Jamaica Exporters Association merged in 2018 to form the Jamaica
Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).
xiv OVERVIEW 2018

to 85 768.1 megalitres. Non-revenue water represented facilitated the expansion in passenger traffic.
73.8 per cent of total production, an increase from 73.0 – Growth in the volume of cargo handled at the
per cent in 2017. The number of connections increased island’s sea ports, up 25.1 per cent to 29 958
by 9 592 to 500 953, while revenue increased to $32 396.4 thousand tonnes, due to higher volumes handled
million from $29 574.41 million in 2017. of domestic cargo (by 18.1 per cent to 17 126
thousand tonnes) and trans-shipment cargo (by
Transport, Storage and Communication 35.8 per cent to 12 831 thousand tonnes).
Within the Communications segment, the total
Relative to 2017, the number of mobile subscribers grew by 4.7 per cent to 3.5
Tr a n s p or t , Stor a ge & million, reflecting expansion in both fixed and mobile
INCREASED Communication industry lines. The number of fixed lines increased to 364 033 from
BY 1.6% expanded by 1.6 per cent. 297 028, while mobile lines were at 3 183 741 relative
The increased Real Value to 3 091 222 in 2017. The volume of mail handled at
Added resu lted mainly the Post & Telecommunications Department declined
from growth in the Transport & Storage segment of from 45 073 pieces of mail to 39 436. The 2018 out-turn
the industry, supported by heightened activities at the reflected the fall-off in the Letters category, by 13.0 per
island’s sea and airports. The Communication segment cent to 39 254 pieces. Both the department’s revenue and
recorded a decline, caused by a fall in telephone services. expenditure declined by 5.0 per cent to $1.3 million and
Indicators for the Transport & Storage segment by 3.1 per cent to $2.2 million. This translated in a higher
showed: deficit of $886.0 million, an increase of 17.4 per cent.
– A 5.0 per cent increase to 6 225 922 in passenger
traffic, reflecting higher movement at two of Finance & Insurance Services
the three international airports. Supporting
this out-turn were the introduction of new air Real Value Added growth
GROWTH
service initiatives; expansion in services by for the Finance and Insurance
OF Services industry was 1.0 per cent
1.0% relative to 2017, representing the
sixth consecutive year of growth. The primary drivers
of growth were increases in Loans & Advances, and net
interest income and earnings from fees and commissions
at deposit-taking institutions. Increased economic
activity, declining interest rates, higher employment and
stable macroeconomic conditions facilitated expansion
of the industry’s growth.

Hotels & Restaurants

Real value added for the Hotels & Restaurants5

some airlines, improved passenger load factor industry increased by
an estimated 1.8 per 1.8%
and growth in room stock of the local tourism
industry. Additionally, ongoing infrastructure cent and contributed GROWTH
works; strategic actions to increase passenger 0.1 percentage points
traffic; as well as travelling associated with to overall growth for
a number of events hosted in Jamaica, also 2018. This grow th

5. This industry captures approximately 54.0 per cent of tourism’s direct contribution to Total Value Added.
 xv

was due mainly to a larger number of Foreign National Financial Institutions Act (FIA); an improvement in
arrivals from the United States of America. The island the annual average employment; and increases in the
benefited from the introduction of new flights; greater annual average Consumer and Business Confidence
frequency of flights by some airlines; and an increase in indices. A constraining factor to the industry’s growth
the room stock stemming from the expansion of existing was a real decline in remittances of 2.3 per cent. Analysis
hotels and the opening of new hotels. of preliminary General Consumption Tax (GCT) data
At the regional level, the Caribbean Tourism revealed that there was a real increase in sales of 3.9 per
Organization reported that tourist arrivals to the cent compared with 2017. This reflected increased sales
Caribbean declined. However, the United Nations World for seven of the eight goods categories led by Minerals,
Tourism Organization estimated that global tourist Fuels, Lubricants & Petroleum Products (11.1 per cent);
arrivals increased during 2018. Hardware, Building Supplies and Electrical Goods &
Cruise passenger arrivals declined by 4.0 per cent to Machinery (6.6 per cent); and Textiles, Clothing, Shoes
1 845 873 persons, reflecting lower arrivals to the ports & Jewellery (4.8 per cent).
of Falmouth and Montego Bay which outweighed the
increase in arrivals to the Ocho Rios port. The number of Entertainment & Sports
cruise ships that called on the island’s ports moved from
605 to 551 ships in 2018. The Other Services
Provisional visitor expenditure totalled US$3 214.2 Industry – of which the
million, an increase of US$236.3 million relative to Recreational, Cultural
2017. Stopover visitors expenditure increased by 8.5 and Sporting Activities
per cent to US$3 037.9 million, while cruise passenger (RCS) sub-industr y
expenditure fell by 0.4 per cent to US$176.3 million. The accounts for the largest
average annual employment in the Hotels & Restaurants share – recorded an
industry moved from 99 225 persons to 102 325 persons increase of 0.9 per cent in Real Value Added. Growth
in 2018, accounting for approximately 8.3 per cent of the within the RCS sub-industry was driven by increases in
employed labour force. The average number of males tourist-related activities and Betting & Gaming activities.
employed within the industry totalled 41 500, relative to Improvements were also recorded for several indicators
39 100 persons in 2017. The average number of females which are used to track the annual performance of the
employed within the industry was 60 825 persons sub-industry.
compared with 60 175 persons in 2017. Investments by JAMPRO in Creative Industries
increased by 27.8 per cent to $408.3 million. Revenue
Wholesale & Retail Trade; Repair & Installation of earned by the Palace Amusement Company grew by
Machinery $172.9 million to $1 163.0 million. The stock of Loans and
Advances to the Entertainment Industry at Commercial
0.9% The Wholesale & Retail Trade; Banks fell by $1 889.6 million to $2 490.9 million.
GROWTH Repair and Installation of Machinery
IN RVA (WRTRIM) industry recorded growth
THE SOCIAL SECTOR
of 0.9 per cent in Real Value Added
and accounted for 17.2 per cent of
DEMOGRAPHICS AND THE LABOUR MARKET
overall Gross Domestic Product,
maintaining its position as the largest
Population
industry. Growth within the industry
was spurred by an improvement in the related Goods
Jamaica’s population was POPULATION
Producing industries; an increase in the stock of Loans
estimated at 2 726 700 at
& Advances to consumers and distributors from
the end of 2018. This was
2 200
Commercial Banks institutions licensed under the
the second consecutive
xvi OVERVIEW 2018

year of negative population growth recorded. This was a Labour Market

direct result of the tradeoff between births (33 100) and
deaths (18 900), and net external movements of negative The Jamaican labour market made advancements
15 900. with gains in key indicators against a backdrop
Jamaica is now a country at the advanced stage of of global economic uncertainty and the slow pace
the demographic transition, with a median age of 31.06 of grow th. Despite economic tensions, globa l
years. The effects of the ageing population structure unemployment showed improvement.
continue to be reflected in a declining child population The labour force contracted by 1.6 per cent to
(0–14 years); a relatively large working age group (15– 1 337 575, with males (53.9 per cent) outnumbering
64 years) and an increase in the dependent elderly females. Average annual employment improved by 1.3
population (the 65+ years). The country has the potential per cent to a record 1 215 975 persons. Unemployment
to reap a ‘demographic dividend’ providing appropriate rates continued to trend down to 9.1 per cent from 11.7
investments are made in human resources for social per cent.
and economic development. This is achievable as the Both the Goods Producing and Services Industries
majority of the population (1 900 619) or 69.7 per cent of exhibited increases in employment by 0.6 per cent
the population was persons of working age. Urbanization and 1.7 per cent, respectively. Of all Goods Producing
continues to play a major role in the distribution of the industries, the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry & Fishing
population. industry experienced a decline, by 2.4 per cent. The
The process for the revision of the National Service industry was responsible for 65.0 per cent of
Population Policy and Plan of Action, 1995 was far total employment with increases in seven of eleven sub-
advanced. A Population Situation Analysis and Draft industries.
Revised Policy were prepared and steps were being
taken to finalize same for submission to Cabinet in 2019.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, WELFARE AND
Jamaica contributed significantly in the negotiations
CULTURE
on the United Nations (UN) Global Compact for Safe,
Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) which was
Education and Training
adopted in December. Jamaica prepared and presented
to the UN the Voluntary National Reports on: the
The major activities in the education and training
Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals
sectors were focused primarily on improving quality,
for the period up to 2018 and the Implementation of the
access and relevance. These activities were driven by
Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development
the goals, outcomes, targets and strategic roadmap for
for Latin America and the Caribbean. Jamaica was also
development established under the National Education
engaged in the process of the continued mainstreaming
Strategic Plan, Vision 2030 Jamaica – National
of international migration into national development
Development Plan, and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable
strategies.
Development. The MOEYI in 2018 adopted a K–13
The government advanced the process of free birth
Strategy to cater for the 0–18 population in school.
certificate issuance, by registering adults who were not
The programme provided for age-appropriate strategic
formally registered, as well as, initiating the process
teaching and learning interventions for students aged
of removal of deceased persons from the voters list to
three months to 18 years. There was increased financial
enhance both national identification and vital statistics.
support for students at the primary and secondary levels,
with special focus for vulnerable students including
those on the Programme for Advancement through
Health and Education (PATH) and wards of the state.

6. A population with a median age below 20 may be described as young while over 30 years is considered old. Populations between
20 and 29 years are referred to as intermediate.
 xvii

The major legislative changes in 2018 included to address these issues included: completion of the 10–
the approval by Cabinet of the Jamaica Teaching Year Strategic Plan for the health sector, health systems
Council (JTC) Bill and the preparation of the requisite support for strengthening and improving prevention
regulations. Amendments were finalised for the and care for persons with chronic non-communicable
University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) Act, 1987; the diseases and formulation of the framework for
Education Act, 1965; and Code of Regulations, 1980. information systems for health.
An estimated 73.7 per cent (737 818 persons) in the Major focus was also placed on developing a proposal
school-age cohort (3–24 years old) was enrolled in on the feasibility and sustainability of health financing.
educational institutions. The total number of students The proposal outlined possible health financing options
enrolled in the public and private education system at as well as technological requirements to be taken into
the pre-primary, primary and secondary levels was 551 148, account for establishing a National Health Insurance
with gross enrolment rates of 98.0 per cent, 99.9 per cent, Scheme.
and 88.5 per cent, respectively. At the tertiary level, gross
enrolment was 32.9 per cent. The number of persons Social Development, Social Protection & Culture
trained in the category, Professional, Senior Officials and
Technicians was 17 551 (68.2 per cent female) with 81 624 Social development, inclusive of social protection
persons (58.0 per cent female) trained as skilled and efforts, was concentrated on addressing various needs
semi-skilled personnel. within vulnerable population groups, and expanding
the delivery and reach of social services. Guided by
Vision 2030 Jamaica and the Sustainable Development
HEALTH Goals; Government and partners in non-government
organizations; private sector; civil society and
Health-related services development agencies; advanced legislative and policy
were delivered by the reform agendas; enhanced delivery systems for social
public and private sectors programmes facilitated opportunities for greater social
as well as NGOs. The inclusion of vulnerable groups. Child development and
year’s strategic priorities related issues remained a priority, with several advances
for t he hea lt h sector made to the legislative environment and quality of
were underpinned by the services. The Child Diversion Act, 2018, was passed and
10-Year Strategic Plan represented an important step in addressing delinquent
(draft); Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development behaviours without resorting to criminal proceedings.
Plan, Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Other notable achievements included the completion
other related international agreements. of two internationally-funded social protection
An estimated 86.2 per cent of Jamaicans reported projects that supported safety nets and human capital
being in good health, with better health reported development; approval of the draft National Policy for
among males and younger age groups. Some 7.4 per Senior Citizens as a Green Paper; launch of the National
cent reported illness/injuries. Although much emphasis Policy on Poverty and National Poverty Reduction
was placed on reducing the high burden of illnesses Programme; and tabling of legislation to absolve national
due to non-communicable diseases (the leading cause heroes of criminal liabilities.
of deaths nationally) re-emerging diseases such as the
Dengue outbreaks required emergency public health National Security and NATIONAL
interventions during the year. The sector faced other
Justice SECURITY RECEIVES
challenges including incomplete infrastructural 19.0%
repairs at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, inadequate Safety and security INCREASE IN
supportive diagnostic services and a persistent shortage BUDGETARY
continued to be one of
of health professionals in health facilities island-wide. ALLOCATION
the priority areas for the
Main plans and programmes pursued during the year
xviii OVERVIEW 2018

Government of Jamaica. This was evidenced by the of security cameras and installation of fire alarm systems
over 19.0 per cent increase in the budgetary allocation in all juvenile facilities. The rehabilitation programme
for the Ministry of National Security and its agencies. also continued and key function as 47.3 per cent of those
Plan Secure Jamaica was the framework under which incarcerated during the year would be released within
a whole of government approach to crime fighting was 12 months.
undertaken. The Zones of Special Operations continued The justice sector reform programme continued
in two communities, while States of Emergency were with activities aimed at improving justice delivery and
declared in three areas. Additionally, the Public Safety reducing the backlog of cases in the courts. There was
and traffic Enforcement Branch was established in the an 11.3 per cent reduction in the number of backlogged
Jamaica Constabulary Force to assist in the restoration cases in the island’s courts. A number of courthouses
of public order and promote safety in public areas. The were refurbished and outfitted with information and
mix of strategies were employed during the year and this communication technology systems. As part of the
resulted in a reduction in the number of crimes reported, thrust to increase the use of alternative dispute resolution
especially murder, which declined by 22.0 per cent. techniques, three parish justice centres were opened,
Improving security, while ensuring the safety of and a number of persons trained and sensitised about
persons in its care, was the focus for the Department restorative justice.■
of Correctional Services and as a result a number of
activities were undertaken. These included the upgrading