Recovery or simply a slower contraction?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Minister Fayval Williams said Jamaica’s economy is “recovering faster than expected”. However Jamaicans deserve to understand exactly what she means by recovery and which sectors are driving it.

The figures from the Planning Insitutue of Jamaica (PIOJ) show that Jamaica’s economy contracted by 7.1 per cent in October–December 2025, 5.9 per cent in January–March 2026, and an estimated 2.9 per cent in April–June 2026. Yes, the contraction is becoming smaller, but a shrinking contraction is not the same as economic growth.

So I have a simple question for the minister: which sectors are actually growing, or showing clear signs of sustainable growth?

Look at the BPO sector, where thousands of jobs have been lost and local spending has declined. Industry representatives have pointed to productivity and the high cost of doing business in Jamaica as part of the problem. Look at agriculture, still struggling with the effects of the hurricane and weather conditions. Look at the slow recovery of many rural communities and the continuing pressures on health and education.

This is where I believe we need to think differently. Greater emphasis on community and rural tourism could give many of these communities a stronger economic footing – creating opportunities for small businesses, farmers, transportation providers, food vendors, guides and accommodation providers while allowing visitors to experience the Jamaica that exists beyond the traditional tourist centres.

More importantly, agricultural activities could become an integral part of rural community development. As community tourism grows, so would the demand for locally produced food, agricultural products and other goods, creating a stronger market for farmers and keeping more economic activity within these communities.

I am not disputing that some indicators may be improving. The question is whether that improvement is being felt across the productive sectors and by ordinary Jamaicans.

The minister says the recovery is under way. Then, show us the sectors driving that recovery, the actual growth figures, and where that growth is being felt.

Jamaicans deserve more than an improving percentage of contraction. We need to see actual expansion, jobs, investment and stronger economic activity.

Robert Dillon