Just over a year ago this column observed that the pandemic will pass, but noted that the way the region responds to the impact of a virus-induced recession will be more telling.
At the time, it was clear that once the most immediate and urgent regional tasks such as vaccination had been completed, an economic recovery plan should be developed that pays particular attention to the structural deficiencies throughout the region affected by the pandemic has shed light on them.
Most noticeably, the pandemic has highlighted the absence of a region-wide integrated approach to food security; The continuing failure of CARICOM member states to address the logistical and infrastructure challenge of having efficient transit and air transport links within the Caribbean; the importance of tourism; and deficiencies in the region’s IT infrastructure and connectivity. It has underlined the need to take decisive action to encourage investment in e-commerce and e-government which the COVID crisis has proven to be central to future efficiencies.