The Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Caribbean Department has published a special edition of its Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin—also detailed on our new dedicated website—focused on the evolving economic and human consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak for the region.[1] Our team of economists from across the region has been advising IDB senior management and member-country … [Read more...] about Caribbean Economies in the Time of Coronavirus
Innovation & Change
How the Coronavirus could be changing public transportation in Jamaica
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
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
Caribbean potential takes center stage as Caribbean Governors meet
“We have to guard against anything at all that will hamper the chances of ordinary citizens from being the best that they can be.” These words from Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley sum up the tone at the opening of the IDB’s IX Annual Consultation of Caribbean Governors in Barbados. Prime Minister Mottley opened the meeting along with IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno who … [Read more...] about Caribbean potential takes center stage as Caribbean Governors meet