This book analyzes the main causes of deterioration in the Jamaican economy since 1972 and assesses the prospects for returning to a period of stable growth under an International Monetary Fund Stabilization program. Considering both the role of international economic conditions and domestic policies on Jamaica's economic decline, Dr. Looney compares the viability of the socialist model of development, implemented between 1972 and 1980, with that of the U.S.-sponsored supply side model. He raises important questions about the ability of small open economies to sustain acceptable rates of growth in the existing world economic environment, the effectiveness of IMF Stabilization programs on these economies, the possible impact of supply side development strategies, and the significance of Caribbean Basin Initiative policies for growth and stability in the area.

Despite having a number of potential attributes (such as being English-speaking, having poverty levels below that of comparable countries and a reasonably well-educated labour force), Jamaicas economic history is marked by the paradoxes of low growth in GDP and high employment despite high investment and important achievements in poverty reduction. This publication seeks to examines these issues, and topics discussed include: poverty reduction and income inequality; whether Jamaicas GDP growth has been underestimated; policy options for reducing the fiscal and debt burden, revitalising the financial system; improving education outcomes, tackling the economic costs of crime, and improving international competitiveness.