Fitch upgrades Jamaica credit rating to ‘BB-’ Outlook Positive

13 May  2024

Jamaica reached a significant milestone in its economic journey with its highest credit rating from Fitch Ratings, signalling remarkable progress in debt reduction efforts. After covering the nation for 18 years, Fitch upgraded Jamaica by one notch to BB-, positioning it just three notches below investment grade, with a positive outlook. This upgrade underscores the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and debt reduction, supported by a robust economic framework. Finance Minister Nigel Clarke hailed the achievement as a testament to effective economic policymaking, stressing the importance of leveraging these improvements for the benefit of all Jamaicans. 

Source: Caribbean Insight – March 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Sint Maarten Prime Minister sworn in

Luc Mercelina has been sworn in as Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of Sint Maarten, succeeding former PM Silveria Jacobs after the 2024 Parliamentary election. The swearing-in ceremony, conducted by Governor Ajamu G Baly on 3 May, signifies a peaceful...

Haiti News – Haiti’s Transition Council advances its security mission

   Plans for foreign security deployment are advancing following the installation of Haiti’s transitional council after the official resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s controversial government.  “We have served the nation during difficult times,”...

Haiti News – Central Bank authorises loan repayment moratoria

 Central Bank authorises loan repayment moratoria. Amid Haiti's ongoing challenges, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) has issued Circular 115-5, granting financial institutions authorisation to provide a moratorium from 1 April to 30 September 2024. Under the...

EU support Trinidad-Venezuela pipeline amid US sanctions

The European Union (EU) has signalled its willingness to support the Dragon Pipeline between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago despite reimposition of US sanctions on Venezuela.  The 90-kilometre pipeline project between the two countries has been in the news in...

New IMF forecast of 2 per cent economic growth for Latin America & Caribbean

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a two per cent economic growth for the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region this year, highlighting both resilience and ongoing challenges.  IMF says that the region has shown “quite a bit of resilience” and that...

Latest News from Venezuela – US reimposed crushing oil sanctions

The United States is renewing sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry, after easing some of the penalties for six months in return for assurances the South American country would hold free and fair elections this year. Senior U.S. officials said the government of...

Haiti’s transitional council finalises agreement

Haiti’s transitional council have finalised a deal for the selection of a temporary government to take charge of the country as it grapples with crippling gang violence and social unrest.  French news agency, AFP reported that the accord establishes a nine-member...

Nearly £17m worth of drugs seized in Caribbean Sea

The Royal Navy has seized nearly £17m worth of drugs after it intercepted smuggling speedboats in the Caribbean Sea.  Across two operations, HMS Trent seized 200kg of cocaine and other drugs with an estimated street value of £16.7 million.  Defence Secretary Grant...

Four Caribbean countries agree to CBI price floor

In a historic move, four out of the five OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) jurisdictions offering Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CBIPs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a pivotal shift towards stricter regulations and...

Former BVI premier found guilty on drug-related charges

A former premier of the British Virgin Islands has been convicted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, highlighting how systemic corruption makes the strategically located island territory a formidable cocaine trafficking hub.  On February 8, a jury in...
Click to access the login or register cheese