Opposition JLP calls on Govt. to finalise agreement with IMF

The Opposition JLP is calling on the government to move quickly, to deal with the outstanding issues delaying a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF wants the government to move ahead with pension reform, cut the amount of money it's spending on wages and reform the tax system.

Analysts say the government is unlikely to strike a new agreement with the IMF this calendar year that could jeopardize any effort to grow the economy and bring stability to the country's economic affairs.

The Finance Minister has said a team from the IMFis coming late September to commence negotiations.

This after several meetings between the two sides in Washington and Kingston, to prepare or set the ground for negotiations.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw has criticised Finance Minister Dr. Peter Phillips about alleged statement he made that the Jamaican government is seeking the help of the US Administration to push the IMF toward an agreement.

Dr. Phillips was quoted earlier this week as saying that he is seeking support from the US to press the IMF to conclude talks on a new agreement.

Mr. Shaw said that the Minister's statement reveals a new level of desperation that is occasioned, by what he described as Dr. Phillips' inability to meet the requirements, of the IMF on a timely basis

Mr. Shaw states that the Minister's statement also reveals the lack of economic direction and political will of the government to do what must be done.

Mr. Shaw said that the United States government would not be doing Jamaica any favour if they were to encourage the IMF to compromise its preconditions that will lead to Jamaica achieving its long-term strategic goal of fiscal sustainability, economic growth and development.