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
Barbados
Empowering the Caribbean: A Journey Towards Sustainable Energy
In the vibrant and culturally diverse region of the Caribbean, there is an essential element that fuels the dreams and aspirations of its people. It is the lifeblood that powers their play, dance, and imagination. However, the Caribbean faces numerous energy challenges, with hurricanes and earthquakes often leaving communities without electricity. Moreover, the heavy reliance … [Read more...] about Empowering the Caribbean: A Journey Towards Sustainable Energy
4 ways for Barbados to optimize its Marine Spatial Planning
The United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) held in Montreal in December 2022 concluded with strong support for ocean conservation and biodiversity. Currently, 17% of land and 8% of marine areas are under protection and there was strong consensus on the need for effective conservation and management of at least 30% of the world’s land, coastal areas, and … [Read more...] about 4 ways for Barbados to optimize its Marine Spatial Planning
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
What’s next for Barbados’ tourism industry?
Tourism has been one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This once-in-a-century event has generated the worst demand shock in tourism’s recorded history. One year into the pandemic, demand for hotel rooms and cruise trips are yet to recover. In tourism-dependent countries like Barbados, companies are struggling to survive. The … [Read more...] about What’s next for Barbados’ tourism industry?