The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that the economy contracted by an estimated 5.9 per cent during the January to March 2026 quarter, compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

Speaking during PIOJ’s quarterly briefing on Wednesday, Director General, Dr Wayne Henry, said the out-turn largely reflected the lingering impact of Hurricane Melissa on productive activities.

“The impact of the hurricane led to an estimated contraction in all industries, with the exception of financial and insurance activities and public administration and defence, as well as a reduction in the employed labour force and lower levels of business and consumer confidence, which constrained domestic demand,” he said.