Economic outlook remains weak in Jamaica and Trinidad

Significance

Inflation and interest rates are up, although unemployment and poverty levels remain relatively low. More generally, both countries are being challenged by rising rates of violent crime and continuing concerns over corruption. Both act as a drag on the economic upturn.

Impacts

• Concerns over official corruption will persist in both countries.
• Near-term growth will remain too low to address continuing concerns over employment and crime.
• Mounting levels of criminal violence could compromise recovery in the tourism sector.