Caribbean Trade Law and Development

Category: Coronavirus

  • COVID-19 and MSMEs: Two and a half years on

    COVID-19 and MSMEs: Two and a half years on

    Alicia Nicholls

    Shortly after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a pandemic in March 2020, I had authored a blog piece about the outbreak’s possible impact on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). I had also posited some options for MSMEs to help weather the COVID-19 storm. On June 23, I had the honour and pleasure of presenting on the topic “COVID-19 and Business: Reflection, Impact and Options” at the 39th Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC). It is in this vein, and in recognition of the upcoming United Nations’ MSME Day on June 27th, that this ‘update’ article reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MSMEs two years on. Specifically, it discusses how businesses have pivoted and proposes some further options for weathering these increasingly turbulent economic headwinds.

    Setting the context

    The first confirmed COVID-19 case in a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member State was in Jamaica on March 10, 2020. Since then Caribbean countries, like other countries around the world, have undergone at least four or five waves of infection fueled by the initial virus and subsequently by variants.  As of June 21, 2022, there have been over 750,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 13,400 confirmed deaths in CARICOM Member States according to data collected from the WHO’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

    Since the start of the pandemic, Governments have had to maintain a delicate balance. This involved implementing measures to flatten the COVID-19 curve to reduce infection and hospitalization rates, but also with the knowledge that these measures would dampen economic activity, especially tourism, the bread and butter of most of our regional economies.  At various stages and to varying degrees, governments both regionally and internationally, implemented curfews and stay-at-home orders, lockdowns, mask mandates, travel restrictions and temporary border closures. The most stringent measures were taken particularly in the first wave of the virus when we were still learning about the virus and how to cope with it and prior to the availability of an effective vaccine.

    Governments formulated protocols around social distancing requirements, temporarily banning certain ‘close contact’ activities or placing limits on the numbers of patrons for these activities. In 2020 and 2021 many Caribbean Governments also made the difficult decision to cancel their annual festivals or carnivals, which are major money earners and tourist draws, due to the risk of having such a large number of patrons. Save for some exceptions, most Caribbean countries avoided vaccine mandates and took a more persuasive approach to vaccine uptake.

    These government public health measures, while necessary for managing the epidemiological impact, negatively affected firms. In a very informative Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) study, Acevedo et al (2021) found a positive correlation between social distancing policies and the proportion of firms surveyed reporting a drop in sales. Though noting that this pattern was viewed across countries worldwide, the correlation, they argued, seemed to be stronger for countries in the Caribbean. Similarly, the International Trade Centre (ITC) in an earlier study found that 76% of surveyed firms providing accommodation and food services stated that full or partial lockdowns had strongly affected their business operations (ITC 2020).

    Business Impact  

    Two years into the pandemic, we now have a pretty useful set of data from the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey and its COVID-19 business pulse survey on how firms have been impacted globally. Based on data from 120,000 firms in over 60 countries, the World Bank found that on average, companies’ sales dropped 27% in October 2020-January 2021 from pre-pandemic levels, after plunging 45% in April to September.

    Regionally, using data from the IDB’s “Innovation, Firm Performance and Gender (IFPG)” Survey, Acevedo et al (2021) described as “substantial” the impact of the pandemic on Caribbean firms surveyed. They observed that “more than 90% of Caribbean firms surveyed reported a negative impact and a 33% on average reduction in sales” and that firms in the category of “services and retail” reported the largest decrease in sales and capacity utilization. Similar studies on the business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have also been conducted in Suriname (Khadan 2020) and Jamaica (Tennant 2021).

    COVID-19 has had a very differentiated impact on businesses, that is, not all businesses were impacted negatively or in the same way. Globally, those businesses in so-called ‘high or close contact’ sectors– such as the tourism, hospitality, entertainment and retail sectors – were among the most impacted, especially due to the tourism shortfall and social distancing requirements (ITC 2020; Bartik et al 2020). Women and youth-led/owned firms appeared to be more significantly affected (ITC 2020). This is not because of their quality of leadership but because of the structural barriers many women and youth-led/owned firms usually face, including greater difficulty in accessing finance.

    An interesting Financial Times article on winners and losers from the pandemic showed that at January 2022 several large companies like Apple, Alphabet and Microsoft had seen significant increases in their market valuations since the start of the crisis. However, other large firms also saw non-negligible reductions. That being said, MSMEs were more significantly impacted than larger firms. In its COVID Business Impact Survey, the ITC found 55% of SMEs indicated that that the pandemic had “strongly affected” their business operations and that one out of four (26%) micro firms risked shutting down permanently within three months, whereas less than one in ten (9%) large firms were in a similar position.

    Many MSMEs at the start of the pandemic lacked functional websites or e-commerce capability or even delivery which meant they were often at a disadvantage to pivot to online shopping and service delivery. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated some of the issues facing businesses, especially small businesses, such as cashflow difficulties and access to finance. Other impacts included reduced sales or loss of access to local/international markets, while also incurring increased costs, such as the need to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and pay for more frequent sanitization of work spaces.

    Many MSMEs were affected and continue to be impacted by supply chain disruptions. Many faced price increases from suppliers and tighter supplier payment terms, as well as longer waiting times for supplies as suppliers prioritized orders from larger purchasers.  Some businesses also faced increased costs of inputs, especially due to global supply chain disruptions and higher commodity prices.  Some businesses faced productivity losses due to staff layoffs, reduced hours and in some cases there were unfortunately business closures.

    How have businesses pivoted?

    Businesses have had to do lots of soul-searching, hunkering down and in many cases, belt-tightening. The fundamentals of sound leadership, teamwork, evidence-based business planning were key, and those which were in the fortunate position to quickly adapt through the use of technology were among those who weathered the best so far.

    Businesses implemented firm-specific COVID-19 protocols informed by national guidelines. They also looked for new clients/markets for their products. JAMPRO (the Jamaican export and investment promotion agency) was able to find new markets for Jamaican mango exporters. In some cases, businesses had to source from newer suppliers either due to supply chain disruptions or because of more favourable payment terms offered by other suppliers.

    Some new businesses sprung up to cater to new areas of demand, such as pickup and delivery. Many retailers and restaurant businesses added online shopping or booking and delivery service, which were particularly useful during the lockdowns and have been continued. Regional rum manufacturers started manufacturing and also donating rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers when there was a shortage of these products. One of my favourite restaurants no longer gives patrons physical menus. Patrons instead use the QR scanner on their phone to scan the QR code the restaurant provides to access the menu online using the restaurant’s wifi.

    Other business responses included implementing work from home policies and adopting technology to facilitate this remote working. This led to some firms engaging in downsizing their physical space.

    While CARICOM governments lack the fiscal largesse to offer the extensive stimulus packages which larger countries were able to finance, they however provided various forms of support to businesses. These included in some cases special grants,  deferral of taxes and social security contributions, tax debt forgiveness, concessional loans and grants, temporary loan moratoria, ‘compensation’ for lockdowns, and training opportunities. However, businesses in the informal sector did not qualify for many of these support measures as eligibility often required that the applicant should be a registered business or incorporated and be able to show financial statements for a defined period. A key lesson coming out of this is that governments must make it easier for businesses to formalize. Behind every business are people with families to feed and support and where a business fails, that is at least one person who has lost an income and the ability to support herself/himself and family.

    Adapting to the new normal

    The term “new normal” has become ubiquitous in our parlance in recognition that while the worst of the pandemic appears to have passed us, COVID-19 will remain with us for quite some time. With an increase in the vaccinated population and lower infection numbers, most governments have now rolled back or even eliminated completely their Covid restrictions to kickstart economic recovery. However, the COVID-19 impact on the economy has been compounded by the Russia/Ukraine war and the sanctions imposed by the international community in response to Russia’s actions. This has further disrupted global supply chains, and led to spiralling inflation globally, higher commodity prices and product shortages and growing workers’ demands for higher wages to offset the soaring cost of living. The war has prompted the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to slash its global growth forecasts for 2022 and 2023 in its April World Economic Outlook. How can businesses continue to adapt in these increasingly turbulent times?

    First, innovation, as cliché as it sounds, is pivotal for businesses to build competitiveness. This involves prioritising research and development and market research and leveraging technology to improve day-to-day operations and customer experience. Companies worldwide are also relooking working modalities. In the UK, for example, over seventy businesses spanning a variety of industries are participating in a pilot study on a four-day working week with no cut in workers’ pay for the reduced hours.

    Second, many business support programmes appear to be under-used for a variety of reasons, including businesses’ lack of awareness of their existence or perception of their usefulness in some cases. Where possible, businesses should be on the look out for available business support and assistance offered by export promotion agencies and other business support organisations.

    Third, businesses should continue to explore new product offerings to meet new and growing areas of demand. For example, given the growing food security issues intensified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there are opportunities, such as, of expanding the availability of wheat flour substitutes, such as breadfruit and sweet potato flour.

    Fourth, businesses should continue to expand their markets. CARICOM businesses have preferential access to several markets thanks to the trade agreements the Community has concluded with Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, the European Union, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. They also have access to the United States and Canadian markets for most goods under unilateral trade preference regimes offered by those governments. Businesses which are not yet exporting and are looking to do so should take advantage of the export support programmes, such as training, workshops and other technical assistance and capacity-building programmes offered by regional export development agency Caribbean Export and national export promotion agencies and business support organisations. Additionally, sourcing locally and regionally where possible, through making use of our trade arrangements with Latin American countries, will help with building supply chain resilience.

    Fifth, cyber-security is one area on which businesses often skimp to their detriment. With more of their operations being conducted through digital means, businesses are now more exposed to hacking, malware and data breaches which, when they occur, result in a very embarrassing and dangerous situation for a business and reduces client confidence and trust.

    Sixth, if there is one thing that COVID-19 has made clear is that MSMEs need to manage risks, ensuring they have updated business continuity plans and appropriate insurance coverage.   

    Seventh, COVID-19 will be with us for some time. We know that business must go on and we must live with COVID-19, but protecting the health of employees and customers must be paramount and never sacrificed for profit.  

    Lastly, while survey fatigue is indeed a real problem, it is imperative that businesses are more open to sharing information with governments as evidence-based policy making can only be successful if there is up-to-date data. Governments cannot offer suitable business support without timely and accurate data on which to base their measures. There is also the need for continued and greater business-academia linkages such as greater internships, mentorship programmes, data-sharing and partnerships to ensure graduates are workforce ready and to assist businesses with research.

    In closing, as I had predicted in my previous article, COVID-19 has been a significant challenge for businesses, both regionally and globally. Not all businesses have been impacted the same way but MSMES have generally been more negatively impacted than larger firms. Businesses have been finding ways to adapt. Those which had the greatest capacity to incorporate technology into their daily operations and to serve customers appeared to be the ones which were better able to manage. Although we appear to be nearing (hopefully) the tail end of the pandemic, we are not yet out of the woods. Moreover, several storm clouds still loom ahead. MSMEs must continue to pivot in order to not only survive but thrive in this ‘new normal’.

    Alicia Nicholls, B.Sc., M.Sc., LL.B is an international trade specialist and founder of the Caribbean Trade Law & Development Blog. These remarks were part of an address at the 39th Annual Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) Virtual Conference. The author takes this opportunity to thank all frontline healthcare workers for their yeoman’s service and expresses condolences to all persons who have lost a loved one to this virus.

  • COVID-19’s Impact on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)

    COVID-19’s Impact on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)

    Deah James, B.Sc., M.Sc.

    Deah James, Guest Contributor

    The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic in March 2020. To date, there have been over 8 million persons infected and over 400, 000 deaths worldwide as a result of the virus. Despite it being a health crisis, COVID-19 has not only taken a toll on the persons it has infected but on businesses and economies on a whole.

    In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the effects of the virus have been no different. Most of our businesses can be categorized as micro, small and medium enterprises. And it is these businesses that are said to have been hit the hardest by the fallout from the pandemic.

    Even though they can be agile in response to the changing world, MSMEs are also susceptible to shocks such as COVID-19. This is because these businesses are vulnerable by nature. Access to finance is a primary obstacle.   

    According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), many of these enterprises depend on international trade. This is because they either export their products through direct or indirect channels or because they import the inputs needed to manufacturer their products to sell on the local markets.

    These types of businesses also account for a large portion of the employment in a country and are a major employer of women and youth.

    With the disruptions in the supply chain caused by unprecedented lockdown measures enacted to contain the spread of COVID-19, MSMEs are finding it increasingly difficult to find new suppliers, deal with price increases that have occurred and also the massive drop in demand for products in most sectors.

    To help business owners, governments have created stimulus packages with the focus on assisting with the effects of COVID 19. One such initiative by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the expansion of the existing Promoting Youth Micro-enterprises (PRYME) programme. In addition support for business include loan forbearance, utility bill moratorium, VAT and Tax waivers and extension on filing income tax returns and for payment of motor vehicle licenses and liquor licenses.

    To show the value placed on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the United Nations in April of 2017 adopted resolution 71/279 which designated June 27 as Micro, Small and Medium- sized Enterprises Day. This was done to raise public awareness of their contribution to sustainable development and global economy.

    For this year’s celebrations, the International Trade Centre (ITC) will host a WebTV programme on Wednesday June 24th entitled COVID-19: The great lockdown and its impact on Small business.

    Deah James, B.Sc., M.Sc., is an international trade and development professional with keen interest and experience in the areas of trade facilitation, sustainable development, regional integration, aid for trade and financing for development.    

    Photo credit: Pixabay

  • COVID-19: The Push to Conflict

    COVID-19: The Push to Conflict

    Renaldo Weekes, Guest Contributor

    Renaldo Weekes

    The novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a common threat that has united the world in unprecedented ways. As the pandemic rages on, however, some are getting anxious and want answers. United States (US) officials have accused China of mismanaging the coronavirus response and allege that it originated in a Chinese lab. China responded with allegations that the US military planted the virus in Wuhan. 

    The possibility for escalation is nigh as US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that China may be punished for its alleged impropriety through new tariffs, sanctions and the lifting of sovereign immunity. As the US seeks to punish China, one wonders what the effects may be on the wider world.

    The Global Economy

    The tariffs being floated by the Trump administration as possible punishments will stifle the global economy since, being the world’s two largest economies, the US and China are very much intertwined in the global economy. Consideration must also be given to how China will retaliate to the tariffs.

    Tariffs, essentially being a tax on imported goods, will make goods more expensive at a time when many businesses and consumers cannot absorb such a cost. What little spending power exists will diminish, further pushing the economy downward. The global economy’s recovery rate will be restricted as supply chains will slowly regain traction amidst low numbers of buyers and sellers. Shocks will hit small open economies especially hard as they greatly depend on foreign production that travels through the US. It is still left to be seen if the US will follow through with such plans however.

    Sanctions have more versatility in the sense that they can be applied to certain businesses or individuals within the US banking system. This is effective because the US has a long reach in the world’s financial system. However, depending on where those sanctions are applied, there could be some disruption in the global supply chain because, as mentioned earlier, China is intertwined in the global system. Again, small open economies that regularly do business with China will be in trouble.

    The lifting of state sovereign immunity allows American citizens and the American Government to sue China for COVID-related issues. Removal of sovereign immunity may have at least two effects. First, it allows the US wants to fight China with its own rules by allowing lawsuits. Secondly, if state-owned or state-related Chinese businesses in US jurisdictions are entangled in lawsuits, China will have to decide if staying in the US is worth the retaliatory lawsuits or risk relocation which may cause disruptions in supply chains.

    Political

    Considering the implications of this clash to the wider world, both parties have been working to push their narrative to their partners for support. This puts a number of countries with mutual relationships in an awkward position as they must now play chess with their words and actions which, as seen through Australia and the European Union (EU), is quite difficult. 

    Australia has, just like the US, called for an investigation into the virus’s origins but has stopped short of saying the virus came from a lab. To China, not overtly opposing those claims is implicit support of the US’ claims and in response, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye suggested a possible shift in trade relations between the two countries. Acting on those words, China has suspended beef imports from Australia. This underscores China’s willingness to use its economic might against countries politically opposed to it. Such tactics may hurt Australia as China accounts for 36 percent of Australia’s total annual exports. Though both countries claim that the issue is separate from the pandemic, it is hard to defend that point considering the veiled threat laid by the Chinese ambassador. One must ask whether it is possible to separate the two incidents or if it would have happened but for the call for an investigation.

    The EU has been under the spotlight for editing a report related to disinformation campaigns by China to appease China and for allowing China to censor an opinion piece written by the EU’s ambassador to China. The EU’s move is seen as bending more toward China by editing its report and allowing China to censor its piece. Added to this is reporting that the European External Action Service (EEAS), responsible for the bloc’s foreign policy, has been rife with problems related to each EU member state wanting to follow its own agenda. This suggests no real coordinated effort toward handling the issue and a weakening of the EU’s position as this may, theoretically, give China an opening to further cement this divide.

    Despite what may appear to be the case, EU member states have stood up to China. It is reported that China attempted to encourage German Government officials to make positive spins on how it has been handling the virus but it was quickly shot down. France hastily summoned its Chinese ambassador when a Chinese diplomat wrote a piece criticising Western countries on their treatment of the elderly. President of France Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Angela Merkel have both called for investigations into the origins of the virus but, similar to Australia, have not claimed that the virus came from a lab. Joined with that is the EU’s support of the US’ push for an investigation into the coronavirus’s origins at the WHO general assembly. These examples show that the EU is not necessarily bowing to China. Considering the historically friendly relationship between the two, the EU would not have the same motivation as the US to immediately dismiss China.

    Even the World Health Organisation (WHO)?

    The WHO itself has been dragged into the fray by the US as the Washington has suspended its WHO funding due to accusations that that UN agency facilitated China’s hiding of coronavirus statistics. Such an accusation suggests that the WHO abdicated its duty in order to appease China. The US’ actions also serve to weaken the WHO’s ability to help the world at large; more so those who cannot help themselves. Allowing a spat to spill over into the UN agency for health during a pandemic is seen by many critics as a way for the Trump administration to deflect any blame it is receiving for its handling of the virus domestically; especially since a Presidential election is due this November.

    Conclusion

    COVID-19 has led to a pandemic that took the world by surprise. Most people did not think that a virus in China would spread to the world. Nevertheless it has and people’s magnanimity has shown through like never before. However, it has devolved into a blame game between the world’s most powerful countries about how the pandemic started, capturing many other countries in the fray. But for the pandemic, would the US and China be in this situation? Probably not, but here we are. The only real way for this situation to stop is if the US recants or if China admits fault. At this point, neither seems likely. One can only hope that the war of words between the two countries does not escalate to a point of no return that drags the rest of the world down as a result.

    Renaldo Weekes is a holder of a BSc. (Sociology and Law) who observes international affairs from his humble, small island home. He has keen interest in how countries try to maneuver across the international political and legal stage.

  • COVID-19: Caribbean begins ‘to flatten curve’ but economic damage inevitable

    COVID-19: Caribbean begins ‘to flatten curve’ but economic damage inevitable

    Alicia Nicholls

    Weeks of COVID-19 induced shutdowns and travel restrictions in most Caribbean countries appear to have yielded results. As the English-speaking Caribbean’s rate of new cases slows, several regional governments have cautiously embarked on phased re-openings in the belief that the curve has finally begun to flatten.

    This is indeed welcomed news, both from a human and economic standpoint. However, in addition to the human toll, there is no denying that COVID-19 presents an economic shock the likes of which the region has not witnessed in decades. Reduced domestic economic activity, halted tourist arrivals and growing unemployment, as well as the possible economic fall-out in our major trading partners and tourism source markets, are poised to send the region’s economies into a tailspin.

    Biggest Contraction Economic Activity in History

    New growth projections released this week by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) warn that the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to the ‘biggest contraction in economic activity’ in the Latin America and Caribbean region’s history.

    In her press conference, the organisation’s Executive Secretary, Alicia Barcena stated categorically that  borrowing is not an option for Caribbean countries, many of which already have unsustainable debt levels and will need access to concessional financing and debt relief.

    As it currently stands, many Caribbean countries have been graduated from accessing many forms of concessional financing merely on the basis of being ranked by the World Bank as ‘middle income’ or ‘high income’ economies, without regard to the many inherent vulnerabilities they face.

    Barbados PM’s Renewed Call for a Vulnerability Index

    On this latter point, Barbados’ Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley’s renewed call for a vulnerability index instead of the current income per capita method for determining countries’ eligibility for concessional financing is timely. Her remarks were made during an eleven-minute interview with CNN International’s legendary journalist Christiane Amanpour in which she discussed the human and economic impact of COVID-19 on Barbados and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which she is currently the Chairman.

    In the must-see interview, Prime Minister Mottley both praised and called for a revisiting of work conducted by The Commonwealth Secretariat on a Vulnerability Index over thirty years ago. On this note, the Shridath Ramphal Centre of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus has already begun conceptual work on a Trade Vulnerability Index.

    Caribbean Countries’ Economic Responses

    Within the limited fiscal space available, several Caribbean countries have announced stimulus packages whose social component aims at assisting the most vulnerable in their societies and supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) which have been among the most affected by the economic fall-out.

    Barbados, which will enter Phase 2 of its lockdown exit strategy from May 4, has not only announced a BDS$20 million stimulus package but has also established a Jobs and Investment Advisory Council to help the island navigate the current headwinds.

    The COVID-19 pandemic could not come at a worse time for Barbados which since October 2018 has been implementing an economic recovery and transformation programme supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Extended Fund Facility. This week, a staff-level agreement was reached on the third review of the programme. In its first quarter economic review, the Central Bank of Barbados also this week forecasted a double-digit contraction in the Barbados economy this year due to the pandemic.

    COVID-19 lessons and legacies?

    From the start of the pandemic, the Caribbean’s leading tertiary institution, The UWI, has shown exemplary thought-leadership on this crisis through its research support to governments and general outreach activities.

    In an intellectually stimulating presentation during a conference entitled ‘COVID-19: Approaching Code Red’ hosted by The UWI’s Mona Campus, Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal acknowledged the serious economic challenges posed by COVID-19, but also outlined some of the possible positive outcomes, such as the greater reliance on technology, more stringent health precautions taken by the airline industry, and the likelihood that the region’s tourism industry might rebound quickly as North Americans may prefer to travel closer to home.

    Like the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 whose economic impact it is predicted to surpass, the COVID-19 pandemic is leaving us with many lessons and legacies that will be debated by academics and policy makers for years to come. What is not debatable, however, is that this pandemic has further reinforced the vulnerability of many small States whose narrow export base and import dependence increase their susceptibility to external shocks such as this. As Prime Minister Mottley and many others before her have argued, there must be a rethink by the international community of eligibility for concessional financing.

    But the Caribbean must also take responsibility for its own fate. For starters, reliance on a single industry – in most cases tourism – for economic activity and employment has never been and will never be a sustainable economic path. Greater economic diversification, particularly into value added industries, is a must, as well as creating a facilitative environment for business, sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) and entrepreneurship.

    The region’s high reliance on the importation of medical products and food remains unsustainable. Industrial and innovation policies are an imperative, and there is the need to, where possible, build manufacturing capacity for products which would be needed during a pandemic. On this score, it is commendable that several regional rum and spirit manufacturers have begun manufacturing rubbing and surgical alcohol and hand sanitisers to address regional supply shortages. The Bahamas has sought to reduce its dependence on imported masks by banning their importation and developing its own mask manufacturing industry. Regarding food security, CARICOM agricultural ministers met virtually on April 20 to discuss plans for boosting the region’s food production.

    The sometimes awkward shift from the face to face to online provision of services during the shutdowns reveals that the region’s governments and private sector still have far to go to fully take advantage of the digital age. Let us hope that even when the COVID-19 pandemic has been ‘conquered’ by a proven vaccine, Caribbean governments and businesses will continue to prioritise the embrace of technology.

    Additionally, it should not be forgotten that members of the Caribbean diaspora are among those who have tragically lost their lives to COVID-19, particularly in New York. Many of these persons would also have been supporting loved ones back in the region through remittances. That said, however, the diaspora can and has been a powerful resource, including by making donations of supplies and expertise.

    On a final note, I wish to extend my condolences to all families across the region and beyond who are mourning loved ones lost to this dreaded virus. I also join with many others in extending heartfelt kudos to all the essential workers who daily put their lives on the line to ensure we still have some measure of ‘normalcy’ in these abnormal times.

    Alicia Nicholls, B.Sc., M.Sc., LL.B., is an international trade and development consultant. You can also read more of her commentaries at www.caribbeantradelaw.com and follow her on Twitter @LicyLaw.

    DISCLAIMER: All views expressed herein are her personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of any institution or entity with which she may be affiliated from time to time.