Countries around the world have endured over a year of extreme uncertainty in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, and economies in the Caribbean have suffered more than most. But with the increasing availability of vaccines and prospects for a resumption of international travel, light is emerging at the end of the Pandemic tunnel.
With its invigorating vegetation, rivers, waterfalls, and aqua jeweled-toned seas, Jamaica, formerly Xaymaca – the land of wood and water – is world-renowned for its beauty, watercourses and seas that keep visitors and locals revitalized with every refreshing dip.
Celebrating World Water Day
Take a moment to picture the Caribbean 20 years from today. Think about the country where you live. What does it look like? Is it technologically advanced? Is it resilient? Are you safe, productive and happy?
Als we kijken naar de economische vooruitzichten van Suriname, kunnen we stellen dat het land voor een aantal uitdagingen staat. De economie is nog niet hersteld van de recessie van 2015, welke werd gekenmerkt door een significante daling in economische groei, grote fiscale- en externe onevenwichtigheden en een snelle toename van de staatsschuld. Verder verergeren de effecten van de aanhoudende COVID-19 pandemie de macro-economische situatie en beïnvloeden ze ook de sociaal-economische omstandigheden in het land.
Suriname is facing a challenging economic outlook. The country’s economy has not recovered from the 2015 recession which was characterized by a large contraction in economic growth, large fiscal and external imbalances, and a rapid increase in central government debt. The effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are worsening the macroeconomic situation and affecting socioeconomic conditions in the country.
Tourism has been one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This once-in-a-century event has generated the worst demand shock in tourism’s recorded history. One year into the pandemic, demand for hotel rooms and cruise trips are yet to recover.
Intourism-dependent countrieslike Barbados, companies are struggling to survive.
Financial development is crucial for economic growth, poverty reduction, reducing inequality, and a number of other important social outcomes.
Caribbean countries have long been among the most indebted on earth, and related vulnerabilities have slowed growth and poverty reduction across the region.
Ask a passer-by on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago if they think the public sector is innovative and you are likely to be met with a laugh or a look of disdain. We seem to all have horror stories of unimaginable waiting time or an inability to easily access a public service. All it takes is that one incident to forever cast a shadow of doubt that stretches on for years. But there are instances of government institutions providing quality service.
A picture of the socioeconomic trends surrounding COVID-19 in the Caribbean with a gender lens