Jamaica is not in a recession, and a recession is not likely for the rest of 2026

Jamaica is not in a recession, and a recession is not likely for the rest of 2026 – PIOJ – IRIE FM

August 19, 2026

Written byShanice Gibbs

“Jamaica is not in a recession, and a recession is not likely for the rest of 2026”.

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) gave the confirmation after again being questioned by reporters about contractions in the economy during a quarterly press briefing yesterday.

Principal Director of the Economic Planning and Research Division, James Stewart, explained that the January to March quarter would have had to experience a decline in the economy for a recession to be declared.

He explained further that the quarter recorded a 3.3 per cent growth.

This is despite PIOJ’s initial projections in March that the January to March quarter would see a contraction in output within the range of four to six per cent.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SHAN-NO-RECESSION-1.mp3