Many countries have used natural resources extraction to realize energy independence, as well as strong economic and social outcomes. However, for every success story there are sobering lessons for new producers, such as Guyana. Lessons premised on the principles of proactive and coherent petroleum sector governance, inclusive policy formulation, and social … [Read more...] about Bucking the trend: Why institutions matter in Guyana’s hydrocarbon sector
Economy & Investment
Policy Options for Economic Recovery from the Pandemic in the Caribbean
The Pandemic has produced the deepest economic shock on record for most countries in the Caribbean region, and the pace and degree to which countries recover will depend crucially on policy choices and actions of governments in the near term. The Inter-American Development Bank Caribbean Department’s most recent Quarterly Bulletin focuses on the health, economic, and policy … [Read more...] about Policy Options for Economic Recovery from the Pandemic in the Caribbean
A project that helped re-engineer Jamaica’s government services
Government services should be efficient, cost effective and put the customer first. This is good for Jamaicans who interact with public officials or entities on everything from getting a medical appointment to paying taxes. It is also good for the economy. Less red tape spurs more investment and growth. Enter the Public Sector Transformation Programme (PSTP). The project has … [Read more...] about A project that helped re-engineer Jamaica’s government services
Understanding Financial Vulnerability and Promoting Resilience in Barbados during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on Barbadians and has highlighted important traits about financial vulnerability and resilience. The restrictions in movement across and within national borders in response to the public health crisis have struck a hard blow to economic activity in Barbados. Because Barbados’s economy is small and based on tourism, this has … [Read more...] about Understanding Financial Vulnerability and Promoting Resilience in Barbados during COVID-19
Suriname’s private sector is hurting. More digitalization, financial inclusion and infrastructure can help.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some important issues for Suriname’s private sector, such as the lack of digitalization, financial inclusion, and infrastructure. Suriname’s private sector was already challenged by an unfavorable business climate before COVID-19. There was hope that 2020 would bring some positive changes. Indeed, 2020 brought change, but not the change … [Read more...] about Suriname’s private sector is hurting. More digitalization, financial inclusion and infrastructure can help.