Economist Calls for Long Term Focus on Economic Growth

Economist Dr. Damien King has weighed in on recent discussions about whether Jamaica is in a recession, arguing that the debate is unnecessary.

He says attention should instead be placed on the country’s long-term economic growth prospects.

A recession is traditionally defined as two consecutive quarters of economic decline, a statistical metric satisfied at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.

But the Planning Institute of Jamaica, PIOJ, has rejected claims that the nation is in recession. The PIOJ says economic growth would have continued apace if not for repeated weather-related disruptions.

Despite the slowdown, Dr. King maintains the country’s economic fundamentals remain strong and the economic framework continues to strengthen.

Dr. Damien King, economist.

He was speaking during Nationwide at Five on Thursday.

Meanwhile, development economist Dr. Christian Stokes shares the perspective, stressing that the focus should be on strategies to drive sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Christian Stokes, development economist. He was speaking on Nationwide at Five on Thursday.