Albeit at different rates, Caribbean countries have seen their populations gradually age over time. This is the result of several factors including falling fertility rates, emigration of its working population and increasing life expectancies. Even though population aging is the result of important social achievements, such as the increase in life expectancy, it … [Read more...] about Resilient Safety Nets: Future-Proofing Retirement Incomes in the Caribbean
David Rosenblatt
David Rosenblatt is the Regional Economic Adviser for the Caribbean Country Department at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Prior to this position, David worked for 27 years at the World Bank, where he divided his career between assignments in the Latin America and Caribbean region and the World Bank Chief Economist’s office. David holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
A New Year’s Fiscal Resolution: Deal with Debt in the Caribbean
Caribbean economies have recovered from the pandemic-induced recession, but one legacy that lingers is public debt accumulation. This was an inevitable consequence of the sharp economic decline and social needs created by the pandemic, and with the recovery, progress has been made in lowering the burden of public debt. Yet, average debt levels remain elevated, and changing … [Read more...] about A New Year’s Fiscal Resolution: Deal with Debt in the Caribbean
Despite persistent headwinds, the Caribbean sees a robust post-pandemic recovery
Despite recent improvements, the Caribbean region is still grappling with headwinds affecting social dynamics, fiscal outcomes, and economic growth. Global commodity prices—particularly for food and energy—remain volatile and above pre-pandemic levels, straining household budgets. While true that tourism dependent economies have seen this crucial sector recover, and commodity … [Read more...] about Despite persistent headwinds, the Caribbean sees a robust post-pandemic recovery
Headwinds facing the post-pandemic recovery in the Caribbean
After two tumultuous years, 2023 remains characterized by headwinds facing countries across the world. Our previous publications have highlighted the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 shock to economies across the Caribbean region, particularly given its extreme dependence on external demand for resources, tourism, and finance. Just as the pandemic’s effects began to … [Read more...] about Headwinds facing the post-pandemic recovery in the Caribbean
Improving access to finance for women entrepreneurs and smaller enterprises crucial for the Caribbean
Access to adequate finance is critical to any business. For the most vulnerable - smaller firms and those owned and operated by women - finance is the lifeblood. Financing allows businesses to improve their services, expand to different markets, provide jobs in their communities, and contribute to the growth of the economy. New joint research from the IDB’s Caribbean … [Read more...] about Improving access to finance for women entrepreneurs and smaller enterprises crucial for the Caribbean