As we prepare to hear this year's Budget Debate, it is important to remember how the process unfolded last fiscal year. This, in an attempt to get an understanding of the priority areas of spending as well as the country's main sources of revenues to offset these expenditures.
Over the last four months, the Jamaican-to-US dollar exchange rate has appreciated by approximately 4 percent, and is now at approximately j$125 to US$1, indicating that a new exchange rate landscape might be on the horizon.
The World Economic Forum has outlined that the top five risks that are most likely to occur in 2018 are extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, cyber attack, data fraud or theft, and failure of climate change mitigation and action.
Crime and violence have had minimal impact on tourism in the Second City, although the violent habits of some of the residents of Montego Bay are becoming overwhelming. The crime as well as a state of emergency can sometimes be very costly to everyone and can also result in loss of earnings. There are several direct and indirect costs associated with crime.
The Jamaican stock market continues to improve on a yearly basis and can help to improve your earnings if you learn how to invest wisely. It has brought lucrative returns to many investors and is expected to continue to do so over the foreseeable future given its trajectory in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Every country wants to increase economic growth on a consistent basis, but many people are unaware of how economic growth is achieved.
Economic growth, in simple terms, is really an increase in the real value of what a country produces this year relative to last year.
The year 2018 is one of the endless possibilities for many countries that are desperate to increase economic growth, maintain stability, reduce poverty and reduce income inequality. Despite many attempts over the last four decades by many developing as well as developed countries, income inequality remains high.
Last week, the Department of Economics at the University of West Indies, Mona, held its usual policy forum to demystify the national budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Speakers included Mrs. Helene Davis-White, who gave the trade union point of view, Dr. Damien King, who gave an assessment of the important long-term trends in the budget, and me.
All governments are involved in the provision of goods and services. There is no reason why some of these should be produced by public enterprises because market forces on their own would provide them. Others, however, need the government if they are to be adequately provided. These include public goods and goods with positive externalities.
The University of the West Indies (UWI) invites you to participate in the 6th annual Scarce Commodity/Innocent Plant Symposium, to be held at the Oriental Gardens beside the UWI Chapel on April 20, 2017.
Live Chat Software by Kayako |
Our 7 faculties and 12 professional schools offer more than 200 programmes to some 18,000 graduate, undergraduate and continuing studies students.
The UWI, Mona ranks first in Jamaica among accredited tertiary-level programmes. In 2012, the University was again one of Jamaica’s Top 100 Employers.
© Copyright 2014-2026 | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
