The International Monetary Fund published a press release and staff report covering Jamaica’s request for emergency financial support under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) following Hurricane Melissa, citing a sizable short-term balance-of-payments need. The authorities are seeking access under the RFI’s large natural disaster window of 80 percent of quota, equivalent to SDR 306.32 million (about USD 415 million). The request is framed against widespread hurricane damage, rising fiscal pressures, and a sharp decline in tourism receipts, despite buffers built through a strong track record of economic reforms and the recent completion of Jamaica’s Precautionary and Liquidity Line and its arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
International Monetary Fund 2026-01-20
International Monetary Fund publishes Jamaica request for SDR 306.32 million Rapid Financing Instrument support after Hurricane Melissa
The International Monetary Fund reported on Jamaica's request for emergency financial support of SDR 306.32 million (approximately USD 415 million) under the Rapid Financing Instrument due to Hurricane Melissa's impact, highlighting significant balance-of-payments needs amid fiscal pressures and declining tourism.