KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller will address the nation tomorrow in what an official statement said will be on “matters relating to the government’s first year in office as well as speak to projections for 2013”.
The address comes as Simpson Miller and her Cabinet go into its fourth retreat on Thursday since the People’s National Party (PNP) came to office in December 2011.
Political and financial analysts say the prime minister must address the issue of a new Stand By Agreement her government is seeking to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips had said last year that the government had hoped to enter into the accord with the Washington-based financial institution in 2012, but in a statement he laid blame on the Jamaica labour Party (JLP) which when in government had started talks with the IMF for a new SBA.
Phillips said the collapse of previous talks had resulted in the IMF insisting that, as much as possible, measures that were necessary for the conclusion of the deal must be implemented upfront. (CMC)
