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
Fiscal Councils: Cutting edge fiscal architecture, or panacea?
Independent fiscal councils are among the most recent innovations in terms of the architecture of fiscal institutions. The first council was established just after World War II, and by 2016, 37 countries had implemented them across the world—most of these in the wake of the global financial crisis that began in 2008. Caribbean countries are just the latest frontier in the … [Read more...] about Fiscal Councils: Cutting edge fiscal architecture, or panacea?
Towards Better Times Together in the Caribbean
Ask my five siblings to pinpoint the number one need that we faced growing up and you may quite likely hear very different answers from each of them. One may say financial provision, others may say it was the availability of more dynamic educational opportunities, and still another may describe regret for not having the kind of mentorship that encouraged a greater sense of … [Read more...] about Towards Better Times Together in the Caribbean
After the Storm
Just over a year ago, Puerto Rico was waking up to a new landscape. Like neighboring Caribbean territories, the devastation of Hurricanes Urma and Maria left the island unrecognizable to its inhabitants. Since then, it’s been a slow march to recovery for the region, all while a dark cloud of imminent disaster looms. But a silver lining is beginning to shine through. The … [Read more...] about After the Storm
The Influential Seven: More than a Talk Shop
Each year the IDB group gathers international thought leaders and high-level policy-makers from the Caribbean region. The Annual Consultation of Caribbean Governors, as it is called, is an opportunity for 6 Ministers of Finance and Planning from the region and 1 representative from the Caribbean Development Bank to engage influential leaders on the cutting edge of technology … [Read more...] about The Influential Seven: More than a Talk Shop