The Caribbean continues to be be generally perceived as a region of predominantly young people, but, just like in the rest of the Americas, it is rapidly aging. Due to demographic changes, adults aged 65 and over will comprise one fifth of the Caribbean region's population by the year 2050. This transition will take place in a very short period, as shown in the following graph. … [Read more...] about Are Caribbean Countries prepared to address their need for pension system reform?
Man-up: Hegemonic Masculinity in the Caribbean
The Caribbean region is home to countries with the highest per capita incomes. In terms of human development, Anglophone nations such as The Bahamas and Barbados are among the 58 countries in the world identified as “very high human development”; Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago rank amongst those identified in the category of “high human development”. English-speaking … [Read more...] about Man-up: Hegemonic Masculinity in the Caribbean
Colonization and Institutions in the Caribbean
Institutions and the historical conditions that influenced their formation are now widely considered important to understanding differences in economic development across countries. There are alternative views on the channels through which the colonial experience influenced present-day development outcomes. Some economists have argued in favor of a “colonizer effect,” whereby … [Read more...] about Colonization and Institutions in the Caribbean
Can Parents Recognize School Benefits Beyond Short-Run Academic Achievement?
Do you care what schools your children go to? You, I and most parents probably do, which is a bit of a paradox as there is very little evidence, i.e. scientific proof, that parental preferences for secondary schools are related to schools' causal impacts on school exit examinations. These preconceived notions of what are “the best schools” for your child can be explained by … [Read more...] about Can Parents Recognize School Benefits Beyond Short-Run Academic Achievement?
Jamaica’s Economic Stabilization Program: Four Lessons from its Debt Operations
In 2008, Jamaica was hit by the world economic downturn when it was already plagued by years of weak economic performance as well as high and increasing debt levels. As a result of the additional pressure from the global financial crisis, Jamaica's fiscal situation quickly became unsustainable. Starting in 2010, Jamaica’s government took decisive actions, including two domestic … [Read more...] about Jamaica’s Economic Stabilization Program: Four Lessons from its Debt Operations