Transport operators in Jamaica are feeling the pinch from social distancing measures to restrict the spread of the COVID-19. Many continue to operate by choice or to fulfill obligations to get essential workers to and from their jobs. For drivers, the reduction in demand will certainly translate into depressed incomes, from reduced hours for those employed in the formal sector … [Read more...] about How the Coronavirus could be changing public transportation in Jamaica
Caribbean Conversations
Coronavirus and the Caribbean: economic implications and options
IDB member countries in the Caribbean are feeling the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The lifeblood of tourism has stopped flowing to The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica. Falling commodity prices are impacting Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. All are grappling to control a public health crisis that is straining human and financial resources. IDB experts … [Read more...] about Coronavirus and the Caribbean: economic implications and options
Helping the Caribbean in a pandemic
Cruise ships are docked. Flights are grounded and tourists are staying home. As the coronavirus grinds the world economy to a halt, the small, open economies of the Caribbean are taking a hard hit. The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica are dependent on tourism. Oil and natural gas prices are plunging, hurting Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. A recent exploration … [Read more...] about Helping the Caribbean in a pandemic
COVID-19: Tourism-Based Shock Scenarios for Caribbean Countries
The COVID-19 outbreak could have considerable implications for Caribbean citizens and their economies. The magnitude of this impact will depend crucially on the spread of the virus, the duration of the outbreak, and measures countries in the region and elsewhere undertake to insulate themselves. It will also have much to do with country economic structures—particularly tourism … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Tourism-Based Shock Scenarios for Caribbean Countries
The hard facts about gender equality in the Caribbean
Tricia loves math and science. She has always excelled at them too. She is now completing her last semester at The University of the West Indies where she majors in Computer Science with a focus on cybersecurity. Because of her position as a top student, at least two of the region’s premiere financial institutions are hoping to hire her as a Security Software Developer. As she … [Read more...] about The hard facts about gender equality in the Caribbean