New finance minister identified as Clarke heads to IMF

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he has identified a new finance minister amid the announcement that Dr Nigel Clarke is to take up the post of Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October.

However, Holness did not state the name of the incoming finance minister in a release sent to the media on Monday morning.

"The Government has identified successors to Nigel Clarke in both his ministerial and parliamentary responsibilities and there will be a smooth transition in both capacities. Further updates will be provided in due course and the public can expect policy continuity and a continuation of the economic achievements," he stated.

In congratulating Clarke, Holness said "This is a historic and important development in which I take immense pride."

He noted that no citizen of Jamaica, the Caribbean or Central America has ever before served at this level in the IMF in its 80-year history.

"It is to the benefit of Jamaica and the Caribbean region for one of our nationals to serve in such a consequential global position. This development is, therefore, a tremendous net gain for Jamaica and the Caribbean. Furthermore, this elevation of Minister Clarke is demonstrative of the depth, strength and capacity of my administration," Holness said.

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