While this democratic crisis unfolds, the Haitian people also find themselves in a humanitarian crisis. Schools have closed not just due to COVID-19, but to safeguard students and teachers from rampant violent crimes and kidnappings. In addition, 40 percent of the population is food insecure.
Prior governments have failed to make Suriname’s economic system more efficient and publicly accountable. The new administration not only needs to resolve the current financial crisis, but rebuild national and international economic partnerships, regain the public’s trust in key institutions, and fight corruption.
Instead of attempting to counter Chinese influence in the region, U.S. officials and policymakers should focus on providing suitable alternatives to Caribbean states, shifting to a more cooperative approach in the region.
The Caribbean is often associated with money laundering and other forms of financial fraud. This association remains despite considerable efforts by Caribbean governments and professional organizations to enact anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing rules, as well as the establishment of regulations and collaboration with international and regional bodies.
Chaitram’s book is strongly recommended for readers looking for a general entry point on foreign policy in the Caribbean.
The impacts left by Hurricane Iota on the islands of San Andrés and Providencia has added to the sense of dread and abandonment by the central government long felt by the residents of the archipelago. Although the government’s response to the crisis has been swift, there is a sense that more could have been done to mitigate the risks from hurricanes and extreme weather caused by climate change.
Suriname’s governance deficiencies have been well-documented by a multilateral organizations citing it for corruption, nepotism, and drug trafficking, but this does not necessarily mean that the country has not made any progress in fighting corruption and reaching toward a higher quality of governance.
As this November 25 passes, the loss of the Mirabal sisters holds a prominent weight that has stood the test of time. These lost sisters, and their iconic symbol of the butterfly, have become woven into the Latin American feminist movement as people honored their cause in the “march of the butterflies” on the anniversary of their deaths.
Bipartisan congressional policy has driven U.S. strategy in the English-speaking Caribbean during the 21st century and the pillars of the Caribbean 2020 Strategy are unlikely to change no matter the outcome of the elections.
Guyana’s economy is projected to grow by 26 percent in 2020, but the country will need more than just money alone to affect much needed changes in governance frameworks, inhuman capital, and transparency.
