I was lucky to be part of an IDB-led technical visit to Estonia, with a delegation of public officials from our member countries. We wanted to learn about Estonia’s remarkable progress on digital government. I approached the visit with a mix of expectation and skepticism. I had read a lot about Estonia’s experience but, over many years of working on governance, I learned … [Read more...] about What I Learned in Estonia about digital government
Economy & Investment
High-risk listing problematic for The Bahamas
In our latest Caribbean DevTrends blog Economics Senior Specialist in The Bahamas Dr. Allan Wright discusses his recent co-authored IDB publication titled The EU AML/CFT List of High-Risk Third Jurisdictions: Implications and Options for The Bahamas. This Policy Brief has argued that inclusion on any future adopted European Union (EU) Anti-Money Laundering/Combating … [Read more...] about High-risk listing problematic for The Bahamas
Avoiding A Debt Disaster
Preservation of life and property is the most pressing instinct when faced with the threat of a natural disaster. But after survival, the next phase – recovery – can be the more arduous and complex feat. Since 2010, the Caribbean region[1] incurred an estimated US$3.2 billion in damage to housing, crops, and infrastructure while total deaths amounted to nearly 180 persons. At … [Read more...] about Avoiding A Debt Disaster
A New Chapter of Engagement
For 50 years the Inter-American Development Bank has been partnering with the people of Barbados. Now, at a crucial time in its history, this relationship is stronger than ever. As Barbados’ leading multilateral partner our relationship with the island nation extends far beyond its present macro-economic reform agenda. We’re looking ahead to the next 50 years, taking it five … [Read more...] about A New Chapter of Engagement
Doing Business in the Caribbean, or Not?
In January of this year, Minister Marsha Caddle of Barbados announced the creation of a Doing Business (DB) subcommittee with the objective of improving the country’s ranking in the World Bank’s Doing Business indicator (DBI). In announcing a specific desire to climb in the Doing Business ranking, Barbados joins countries like Jamaica, China, India and Russia. In light of the … [Read more...] about Doing Business in the Caribbean, or Not?