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
Henry Mooney
Henry Mooney serves as Economics Advisor with The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He previously worked with investment bank Morgan Stanley in London, The International Monetary Fund (IMF), The World Bank, and The Government of Canada, including on dozens of advanced and emerging market economies in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Henry's responsibilities have included leading regional economic research and publications, serving as mission chief/team leader or team member for technical assistance focused on sovereign debt issuance, debt restructuring, market development, and public financial management, as well as producing forecasts in the context of adjustment programs and surveillance. He has also worked extensively on issues related to monetary policy, financial stability, regulation and supervision, financial access and inclusion, and his research has been published in a number of books, journals and appeared in the media (e.g., The Economist, The New York Times, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and many others). Henry currently serves as a member of The Atlantic Council's Financial Inclusion Task Force, Jamaica's Economic Policy Committee, as well as The IDB's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group and the Board of The IDB’s Afro-Descendant Alliance. He is a dual Brazilian and Canadian citizen, who completed his studies in economics and finance at Concordia University (BA), The London School of Economics (MSc), The University of London (PhD), and Harvard University (MPA).
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
Financial Access for Firms: Jamaica’s Challenges and Opportunities
Jamaica’s successful and sustained reform efforts over the past decade have laid the foundation for more rapid financial development, but findings suggest that access to finance remains a major obstacle to investment, innovation, and development for firms across the region—particularly smaller enterprises and those led by women. A new joint publication from the IDB’s … [Read more...] about Financial Access for Firms: Jamaica’s Challenges and Opportunities
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