In Latin America and the Caribbean, about one in every five youth between the ages of 15-24 is neither in school nor in the workforce. This amounts to roughly 25 million young people whose situation is affecting not only their present and future earnings, motivation and self-esteem, but also their society’s economic outlook and well-being! Are these “unattached” youth a “lost … [Read more...] about How can we help “unattached” youth transition into the work force?
Jamaica
Reggaenomics: Bob Marley’s legacy on Jamaica’s creative economy
On February 6, music fans around the world will celebrate what would have been the 70th birthday of reggae superstar Bob Marley. Although he was felled by cancer more than three decades ago, his legacy highlights pop culture’s impact on national identities and even on economies, says Jamaican radio host and culture critic Dermot Hussey, co-author of Bob Marley: Reggae King of … [Read more...] about Reggaenomics: Bob Marley’s legacy on Jamaica’s creative economy
Remittances as a Safety Net in Jamaica
This policy brief answers three main questions for the Jamaican economy: (a) Do remittances act as a safety net during negative health shocks? (b) Are remittances subject to moral hazard by receivers? (c) How does formal health insurance interact with remittances as a safety net during adverse health episodes? Evidence suggests that remittances offer full protection against … [Read more...] about Remittances as a Safety Net in Jamaica
All disabilities are not created equal
by Charmaine Edmonson-Nelson There are disabilities, there are disabilities and then there are disabilities! This was brought home starkly to me during last summer, when I was enrolling my son in a week long day camp for children with special needs. A simple question from the volunteer at the registration desk sent me into a panic. “Does he have a hearing or a speech … [Read more...] about All disabilities are not created equal
Jamaica takes the leap in Doing Business Indicators: 5 lessons for the wider Caribbean
The World Bank Doing Business indicators have long been regarded as a measure of competitiveness across the globe, sometimes controversially as is the Global Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum. While some countries ignore the rankings, others make a concerted effort to improve the factors attributable to the indicators. After all, who knows which investor is … [Read more...] about Jamaica takes the leap in Doing Business Indicators: 5 lessons for the wider Caribbean