NEWS RELEASE
QUARTERLY GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
FOURTH QUARTER 2006

April 2, 2007

The Jamaican economy declined by 0.7 percent during the fourth quarter of 2006, when compared to the previous quarter. The Productive Sector fell by 2.9 percent while the Services Sector grew by 0.4 percent.

When compared to the fourth quarter of 2005, the economy grew by 2.6 percent. The Productive Sector increased by 2.7 percent. This was the result of higher output levels in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Mining and Quarrying and Construction and Installation. The Services sector increased by 2.5 percent as all industries within the group experienced growth .

During the calendar year 2006, the Jamaican economy grew by 2.5 percent. The Productive and Services sectors grew by 1.0 percent and 3.3 percent respectively. All sectors except Manufacturing and Construction and Installation recorded growth.

The Quarterly Gross Domestic Product October - December 2006 further outlines additional information and may be obtained at our distribution centre; 7 Cecelio Avenue, Kingston 10.