Gov’t to seek further suspension of fiscal rules for 2027/2028 to facilitate Hurricane Melissa recovery

October 28, 2026

The Government intends to seek Parliamentary approval for a further temporary suspension of the fiscal rules for 2027/2028 to accommodate the scale of recovery and reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness made the disclosure during a special press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday.

A suspension of fiscal rules means the Government temporarily pauses legally binding limits on borrowing, public debt or budget deficits so it can respond to the hurricane without breaking the law.

The rules were suspended last December for one year after the Category 5 storm.

Dr. Holness said the Government has to be more frugal as it targets support for businesses and households, amid economic pressure.

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The Prime Minister said the Government will spend on things that improve people’s welfare and bring growth.

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