Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde has dismissed criticism that policies implemented under its programme have imposed hardships and increased poverty in the Caribbean.

She was at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, this morning.

Responding to questions from journalists at the press conference, Ms. Lagarde says the IMF programme in the Caribbean region, always made provision for the social safety net to protect the most vulnerable.

She adds that the IMF encourages country’s in the Caribbean to implement policies that will reduce debt and grow the economy which will ultimately reduce poverty.

Meantime, Ms. Lagarde is praising Jamaica for its performance under the IMF programme.

She says she is confident that the measures implemented under the programme will reflect positively in the economy.