IMF says Jamaica has buffers to finance immediate disaster-related needs

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Thursday said it was closely monitoring developments in Jamaica and Haiti following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, adding that Jamaica had buffers to finance immediate disaster-related needs.

IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack told reporters that the IMF was standing by to assist both countries, which were the hardest hit by the storm, but Jamaica had not expressed interest in financial support from the global lender.

"Our preliminary assessment, based on our discussions with the authorities, and our deep knowledge of Jamaica, is that Jamaica has buffers to finance the immediate disaster-related spending needs," she said.