the present country strategy update covers the period from january to september 2010. it is released in the context of the revival of jamaica's reform program, natural disasters, and adverse changes in the economic outlook. for this update, the sector of public finance is added to the three priority areas under the country strategy 2006-2009, namely, (1) promoting and facilitating private sector development; (2) getting better value for public expenditures; and (3) reducing vulnerability to natural disasters. the reason for the public finance area (4) addition is that the authorities requested a fiscal emergency program from the bank to help the government in its efforts to strengthen public finances and preserve the priorities of social spending programs benefiting low income families.