Jamaica Observer reported that the Jamaican economy is expected to record growth ranging between 0.5% and 1.5% over the July to September quarter.

Mr Colin Bullock DG of Planning Institute of Jamaica said that “The growth should be spurred by a number of factors including the continued rollout of several capital projects approved in the 2013 to 2014 budget. The gradual restoration of investor confidence, contingent on Jamaica passing of the first quarterly International Monetary Fund performance review, and continued global economic recovery will also drive economic activity.”

Mr Bullock pointed to the anticipated return to positive performance for most industries reflecting resurgence in output following the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Meanwhile, mining and quarrying, and construction were the key performers during the April to June quarter, where the economy contracted by 0.4%.

He said that mining and quarrying recorded growth of 5% while the building component of the construction sector grew by 1.5%. The figure for mining and quarrying reflected increased production of alumina as crude bauxite production declined.

He added that alumina production increased by 8.6% reflecting an increase of 1.1 percentage points in the alumina capacity utilization rate, reflecting higher output from a major producer.