The Inflation Rate for the month of August 2016 rose by 0.4 per cent over July 2016. For a second consecutive month the division ‘Housing, Water, Electricity Gas and Other Fuels’ recorded the highest movement, 1.8 per cent. This was primarily due to the increase in rates for electricity and water. The group ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ division increased by 0.4 per cent. This was mainly influenced by the upward movement in the group ‘Vegetables and Starchy Foods’ up by 0.9 per cent.

The count of the population based on the Population and Housing Census 2011 is 2,697,983. This total comprises 2,678,629 persons in private dwellings, 18,420 in institutions and 934 persons enumerated on the streets.

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is pleased to release the highlights from the April 2016 Labour Force Survey. The information contained in this report is based on data collected during the period April – June 2016 with the reference week being March 13-19, 2016.