By Deodat Maharaj
Caribbean countries are amongst the most vulnerable on the planet being particularly susceptible to shocks including economic and those associated with natural disasters. Traditionally, the vulnerability of our Region has been seen through the lens of natural disasters. Indeed, this has come to the forefront given the increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters associated with climate change. There are many examples including the unprecedented destruction caused by Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017. The former was responsible for Dominica losing 226% of GDP in a matter of hours. COVID 19, is once more providing eloquent testimony on the vulnerability of the Caribbean to shocks. This time around, a global pandemic affecting every single economy in our Region and our major trading partners.
