By the time we reach first grade in the Caribbean, teachers are asking what we want to be when we grow up. We frequently raise our hands and shout “doctor, lawyer or engineer,” but how many considered the agriculture sector? This might be a good time to think about it. As CARICOM nations look for ways to curb their $4.75 billion (U.S.) in yearly food imports, regional … [Read more...] about Cultivating a Culture of Agriculture: Are Caribbean youth up to the challenge?
CARICOM
Over the Rainbow Somewhere out there
Most countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) confront problems with low education quality in their remote regions. Low education quality is brought on by insufficiently trained teachers, poor learning outcomes exemplified by below average examination scores (see for example regional Caribbean examination results in mathematics and language on www.cxc.org), and issues of … [Read more...] about Over the Rainbow Somewhere out there
Trinidad and Tobago: Who is going to pay the climate change piper?
Investing in the future is always a challenging decision, for example planning for retirement will often seem to be less urgent when we have pressing daily financial issues that have to be addressed now (unless you are near to retirement age of course). Not tomorrow, not in 10 years, but today. But the truth is that, in order to have a financially stable future, we … [Read more...] about Trinidad and Tobago: Who is going to pay the climate change piper?
Tourism – A Post Card from the Caribbean
Sand + sea + sun = fun. When people hear the word “Caribbean”, it evokes images of cool breezes, swaying palm or coconut trees, crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. I bet you are imagining yourself right now baking in the sun working on your tan, swimming in pristine, turquoise blue waters or sipping on a chilled glass of rum punch under the shade of a leafy, … [Read more...] about Tourism – A Post Card from the Caribbean
Macroeconomic Challenges for Barbados
Barbados’ economy is faced with numerous macroeconomic challenges. During the period 2009 to 2013, the economy cumulatively contracted by 0.5 percent. This economic reduction is estimated by the IMF to continue for this year due partly to declining competitiveness especially in the tourism sector. This makes Barbados the only CARICOM country with negative growth for 2014. The … [Read more...] about Macroeconomic Challenges for Barbados