As is customary, I would like to begin by reminding you of the purpose of these quarterly economic estimates provided by the PIOJ. The PIOJ presents preliminary estimates on economic performance for each quarter, based on early information available from the major data providers.

This release of the preliminary estimate is consistent with trends in all economies globally, where it is the common practice to release a 1st, 2nd and even a 3rd preliminary estimate, before the final official figures are released. In the case of Jamaica, the PIOJ strives to release the preliminary growth estimate approximately six weeks following the end of the quarter being reviewed. Whereas, STATIN releases the official GDP figures 12 weeks following the end of the quarter. READ MORE