The Caribbean and the IMF—Working Together

Caribbean countries—unique for their vast blue waters and breathtaking beauty—enjoyed several decades of strong growth following their transition to political independence in the 1960s, ‘70s and early ‘80s. Many countries achieved middle- or high-income status, with enviable social indicators and low poverty. Their success was supported by strong democratic traditions, sound institutions, and an active policy debate reflecting the aspirations of the Caribbean people.

Challenges to resilient growth

This picture has, however, changed over time. Since 2000, growth has stalled in many Caribbean countries—challenges have risen from domestic imbalances largely from high public debt and deep structural problems. Recent events also bear testimony to the vulnerability of the Caribbean to the frequent and severe natural disasters, which have taken a devastating toll. The most recent losses of life and property from Hurricanes Irma and Maria are heartbreaking.

Coping with these challenges

Overcoming these challenges will require decisive policy actions. Seems daunting? Yes, but I believe strongly that where there is a will there is a way. And the good news is that many countries are well on their way. Achieving macroeconomic stability is a critical foundation for sustained growth. In particular, fiscal consolidation to reduce the public debt burden has become a must for many countries in order to release resources for social and capital spending. Such spending will support long-term growth and reduce poverty.

Still, macroeconomic stability is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for sustained growth; it should be accompanied by ambitious structural reforms that address key bottlenecks to private investment such as reducing red tape and improving the business climate. These reforms hold the key to securing resilient and inclusive growth in the Caribbean.

What has been the IMF role in the region?

The IMF has been an important partner in the region. This partnership has taken on many forms—regular “health checks” or economic surveillance, financial support, and capacity building—involving close collaboration with policymakers, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

Since the global financial crisis in 2008, our capacity building activities such as tax administration, enhancing data reporting, and bank regulation and supervision, including through our regional technical assistance center in Barbados, have grown to more than half of the support for the Latin American and Caribbean region; our surveillance—the annual economic “health checks” —has expanded to more countries (including Aruba and Curacao and St. Maarten); and our lending to the region has reached almost US$4 billion.

The IMF also supports the Caribbean with rapid financing in the face of natural disasters, helping catalyze financial resources from other donors. Our lending toolkit is designed specifically to provide nimble and swift support in critical situations. Haiti and Dominica are recent examples of countries in the region that have accessed such financing. We stand ready to provide additional support to our member countries who have been hard hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

IMF partnering to support “home-grown” policies

The IMF’s technical and financial support to Jamaica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis are among the most notable recent successes of our partnerships in the region. Strong commitment and broad domestic ownership of reforms, with support from other development partners, has reinforced macroeconomic stability and helped facilitate structural reforms for sustained growth.

Specifically, public debt reduction was a primary goal in all three countries. This was coupled with a blend of structural fiscal reforms (such as overhauling tax incentives, improving public financial management, and advancing public sector efficiency), as well as steps to improve the business climate and competitiveness.

These are difficult reforms, yet the fruits of these efforts are already evident. Public debt in St. Kitts and Nevis has undergone an extraordinary reduction (from 147 percent of GDP in 2011 to 62 percent in 2017). Economic growth in Grenada has experienced a sharp turnaround (from 0.4 percent during 2010-13 to 5.8 percent in 2014-16). Jamaica’s access to international capital markets is at interest rates lower than some larger emerging markets, supported by a primary budget surplus of at least 7 percent of GDP for a fifth year now.

These achievements are a testament to the resolve of the people in the countries to achieve economic success for a brighter future. Governments have been held publicly accountable to their commitments in Jamaica and Grenada as stakeholders came together from civil society, the private sector, unions, and government, to provide oversight. This strong policy commitment and broad ownership by society has defined the economic turnaround—an important lesson for the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

What’s next?

The IMF’s ongoing policy discussions with our Caribbean partners is essential for us to find creative solutions to the region’s economic challenges, often unique to small states. For instance, the IMF is shepherding a dialogue among various stakeholders to find solutions for the risks from the withdrawal of correspondent banking relationships. The annual High-Level Caribbean Forum—the sixth edition of which was co-hosted this year by Jamaica—provided a platform for regional leaders to discuss relevant policy issues.