Cabinet Retreat to end Feb 5 - Briefing by Minister of Finance on Feb 8.

February 5, 2012
Cabinet Retreat to end shortly - Minister of Finance and Planning to give media briefing on the economy on Wednesday

The Cabinet retreat which began on Thursday, February 2 is expected to end this afternoon, February 5. The members heard presentations from the Financial Secretary and his team; the Bank of Jamaica Governor as well as a team from the Planning Institutte of Jamaica (PIOJ). Among the issues examined over the four day period are: the state of the country's economy, the social challenges and how to chart the way forward.

The status of the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, the prospects for a new agreement, a preliminary examination of the programmes and spending priorities for the fiscal year beginning April 2012, growth strategies and job creation were also examined.

This afternoon the Cabinet looked at the priority programmes for each ministry for the remainder of the financial year, and the National Strategic Priorities for 2012/2013 and succeeding years. The Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), which will be presented to Parliament later this month was also discussed.

On Wednesday, February 8, Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Peter Phillips, will brief members of the media on the state of Jamaica's economy and plans for the remainder of the financial year. The briefing will be held in the press room at Jamaica House at 1:00 pm. The briefing will be carried live on PBCJ.

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