Trinidad Finance Minister addresses suspension of TT dollars exchange in Jamaica

Trinidad’s Finance Minister, Colm Imbert on Wednesday responded to the decision made by the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) to temporarily halt the exchange of Trinidad and Tobago dollars at its banking counter. 

This suspension, according to Imbert, is primarily driven by the need to reevaluate the existing arrangements between the BOJ and the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago.

Exploring the exchange

Imbert shed light on the scale of Trinidad & Tobago dollar transactions within Jamaica, revealing that it amounts to a modest sum of only US$4,000 on a monthly basis. 

Dispelling currency crisis speculations

Responding to concerns circulating in the wake of the BOJ’s decision, Imbert, in a statement, dismissed claims that the small sum is evidence of a currency crisis. 

BOJ’s announcement

The BOJ, in its announcement, provided no explicit reasons for its decision to suspend the exchange of Trinidad and Tobago dollars, effective November 6. The lack of a specific rationale leaves room for speculation and calls for a closer examination of the situation.