Mazzocchi Alemanni

Jamaica can expect an increase in grants from the European Union (EU) this year as it tries to assist developing countries to weather the harsh economic climate.

The increase in funding follows agreements made between G-20 countries at the summit concluded in London last month.

The EU has committed to maintaining and even increasing levels of aid, irrespective of the external conditions faced by its own member states.

Jamaica is already one of the largest recipients of assistance from the European Commission, having received $6.8 billion of support last year.

That will be significantly improved this year with a $2-billion injection already made and a further $6.2 billion to be provided by year end.

Jamaica also stands to receive funds from a €500-million instrument, which has been set up to compensate developing countries worst hit by falling export revenues.

The island's exports have fallen off significantly because of a decline in alumina and bauxite exports.

This funding is in addition to the J$680 million allocated to Jamaica under the food facility, which is also to be disbursed this year.

'This is no time to be forsaking our friends, no matter our problems at home," said head of the European Commission Delegation in Jamaica, Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni.

"We will keep our promises and see what more we can do to speed up and strengthen our support. In turn, I would hope that the Government pursues much-needed reforms - now made more urgent, not less, by the current crisis," he added.