What has been the technical assistance and policy advice from International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to select Caribbean countries in the area of fiscal sustainability? The International Financial Institutions (International Monetary Fund in particular, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank) have invested a lot of resources … [Read more...] about The Caribbean’s Fiscal Dilemma: To Cut or Not to Cut?
IMF
“Let It Be”—An Economic Strategy of Benign Neglect?
Many Caribbean economies have not only been steadily declining relative to other small economies but currently face unstable macroeconomic imbalances. Hence face the need for stabilisation cum reform policy. Just like Estragon muttering “nothing to be done” in Beckett’s play one policy option, probably less painful upfront, is to wait it out. That is to wait for a world … [Read more...] about “Let It Be”—An Economic Strategy of Benign Neglect?
A short note on “Caribbean Youth”
In many ways we have become accustomed to analyzing, critiquing and comparing our countries’ respective levels of development as though they were all birthed into independence at the same time and under the same conditions. However, upon celebrating my birthday earlier this year, it dawned on me that my sister-isle nation of Trinidad & Tobago is merely 19 years older than … [Read more...] about A short note on “Caribbean Youth”
Jamaica at a Crossroads
The upbeat sentiment following the signing of the Extended Fund Facility with the IMF on May 1, 2013 was short-lived. The approval by the IMF board marked the beginning of a heavy, front loaded adjustment that is being felt now. And it has not been an easy six months. … [Read more...] about Jamaica at a Crossroads