By Sugar Ray Thomas

The Jamaican economy is expected to further contract by an estimated 3 to 4% in the April to June quarter relative to the same period last year. 

This after the economy contracted by an estimated 5.9% during the January to March 2026 quarter when compared to the same period in 2025. 

Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry says the projection for the April to June quarter is influenced by the continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East among other factors. 

Dr. Henry noted that the agriculture sector is not expected to recover in the short term.

He also commented on other sectors including tourism.