There is growing concern about the debt sustainability of Caribbean countries, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which led to sharply increased deficits. Recent research, as summarized in the latest edition of the IDB’s Caribbean Economics Quarterly (Rosenblatt, Clayton, & Mooney December 2023), suggests that although debt levels in the Caribbean may be weakly … [Read more...] about Steadying the Ship: Small Island Developing States and Fiscal Sustainability
Fiscal Rules
A New Year’s Fiscal Resolution: Deal with Debt in the Caribbean
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
Are fiscal rules the solution to the Caribbean’s fiscal woes?
Caribbean countries face serious fiscal and debt challenges. As recorded in the most recent OECD Latin American and Caribbean Economic Outlook 2018, two Caribbean countries hold the highest debt in the region: Barbados and Jamaica. Public debt by currency and legislation, circa 2016 (central government, % of GDP) Source: OECD Latin American and Caribbean Economic Outlook … [Read more...] about Are fiscal rules the solution to the Caribbean’s fiscal woes?