Jamaica Gets IDB Support

The IDB has approved a $45m in loans for Jamaica to enhance the country’s education system. A $30m loan will support improvements in school infrastructure and teacher training, while a $15m facility will be used to expand compulsory education to 18 years from 16 and to build 2 secondary schools for up to 2,100 students. The loans have a 20-year term, with a 5-year grace period on the larger and 3 years’ grace on the smaller. Another $30m loan is expected to be approved in 2012, the IDB says.