JAMAICA has dropped four places to rank 95 out of 132 countries recording its third year of decline in the annual competitiveness index by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The report also stated that only Iceland, which financially imploded, Mauritania and Burundi – the two least developed African states – have worse macroeconomic stability than Jamaica.

According to the Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) 2010-11, released yesterday by WEF, Jamaica fell 17 places over three years to 95. Jamaica's rank as the fourth highest in the Caribbean is under threat as Dominican Republic (DR), up six places to 101, is climbing at a faster pace than Jamaica is falling.

The GCI measures 12 criteria but Jamaica performed the worst on macroeconomic stability. Jamaica scored higher than some developed nations, in regard to financial market development at 46, technology readiness at 60 and infrastructure at 65.

Puerto Rico, the highest ranked Caribbean country at 41, has remained stable year on year. It was followed by Barbados at 43 where it remained year on year. Trinidad & Tobago followed at 84 but dropped two spots year on year, followed by Jamaica, DR and last Guyana at 110 from 105.

WEF is an independent, international organisation incorporated as a Swiss not-for-profit foundation. It strives towards a world-class corporate governance system where values are as important a basis as rules.