In a recent publication “Financial Depth, Access, and Inclusion in the Caribbean” (March 2019), IDB economists from across the Caribbean region review the linked issues of financial development, access, and inclusion, with a view to identifying trends, common features, and potential areas for reform. The importance of financial access and inclusion for inclusive and sustainable … [Read more...] about Sustainable Development in the Caribbean: The Importance of Financial Access and Inclusion
Social Systems
Resilience Starts At Home: How can Barbadians take the fight to climate change?
We are often reminded that climate change is not a phenomenon to be taken lightly. However, too often we only come to grips with this important issue when an event has severely wounded an island-neighbor for the fear that our island may be the next to suffer similar consequences. And there is no telling just when that might be. In recent years, Barbados has experienced more … [Read more...] about Resilience Starts At Home: How can Barbadians take the fight to climate change?
The women lighting up rural Suriname
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2019, we shine the spotlight on some of Suriname’s rural women who are being credited with leading the expansion of the country’s electricity supply. A 24-hour supply of electricity is a top priority for the South American nation of Suriname. However, despite its obvious benefits, many villagers in rural communities are reluctant … [Read more...] about The women lighting up rural Suriname
Why is financial inclusion so important, and what common challenges does Jamaica face? (Part 2)
Despite tremendous strides towards economic stabilization, fiscal responsibility, and debt reduction, financial sector depth and development in Jamaica lags behind many of its peers. Recent improvements in institutional capacity, policy discipline, and structural factors suggest that there is considerable scope to accelerate financial sector development and to broaden access … [Read more...] about Why is financial inclusion so important, and what common challenges does Jamaica face? (Part 2)
Not Standing Still: Takeaways for Jamaica from the book “Nurturing Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean”
A new publication entitled, “Nurturing Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean” was recently launched in Jamaica. Strong interest in the subject and the lively discussion that ensued at the launch event highlights the importance of institutions for Jamaica’s future development. In this context, a chapter of the publication focused on Jamaica offers insights regarding four key … [Read more...] about Not Standing Still: Takeaways for Jamaica from the book “Nurturing Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean”