Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Covid-19 and the Caribbean, Volume 1 : The State, Economy and Health

Caribbean countries have had to navigate multiple crises, which have tested their collective resolve through time. In this regard, the region’s landscape has been shaped by an interplay of vulnerability and resilience which has brought to the fore possibilities and contradictions. It is within this context that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic must be considered. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Covid-19 and the Caribbean, Volume 1: The State, Economy and Health provides a comprehensive, multi- and interdisciplinary assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Caribbean as the site of enquiry. The edited collection mobilises critical perspectives brought to bear on research produced within and beyond the boundaries and boundedness of conventional academic disciplinary divides, in response to the multi-dimensional crises of our time. The culmination of this collection offers a reimagining of our Caribbean contemporary futures in the hope of finding home-grown solutions, avenues and possibilities. This volume is divided into five (5) parts consisting of twenty-four (24) chapters and weaves together thematic strands that focus on governance, the macro and micro aspects of the economy, tourism and hospitality, business management and public health policy. Together, the chapters in this volume tell the story of the extent and effects of Caribbean governments’ response to the pandemic and the ways in which industries and organisations have had to pivot to survive and transform their management and operational practices. Foreword Enter a Virus The Great Disruptor This Double Volume Acknowledgements Contents Notes on Contributors Abbreviations List of Figures List of Tables Part I: State Responses and the COVID-19 Pandemic Chapter 1: Introduction References Chapter 2: COVID-19 and Human (In)Security in the Caribbean: An Assessment of Grenada Introduction Conceptualising Security Health Security Economic (In)Security Political Security COVID-19 and the Caribbean Grenada: Pre-Pandemic Overview COVID-19 and Grenada: Lives, Livelihoods, and Liberty Health and Economic (In)Security: Lives and Livelihoods Political Security: Order, Rights, and Liberty Lessons and Good Practices Implications for Policy and Research Conclusions References Chapter 3: Navigating Motherhood and Work: Caribbean State Responses in a Global Health Crisis Introduction The State’s Reliance on Unpaid Care Work The Emotional Labour of Care Work Conclusion References Chapter 4: Revisiting Democracy in the Anglophone Caribbean in the Context of COVID-19 and Beyond Introduction Democracy in the Anglophone Caribbean: Setting a Framework for Analysis Governance During the COVID-19 Crisis Conclusion References Chapter 5: Elite Authoritarianism Versus Individual Liberty: The Politics of COVID-19 Management in Barbados Introduction Aims of the Chapter Historical Authoritarianism and the Diminution of Individual Liberty The Politics of COVID-19 Management in Barbados Conclusion: COVID-19 and Future Directions in Caribbean Democratic Development References Chapter 6: COVID-19 Pandemic: Mainstreaming Risk Assessment and Management Introduction Methodology Public Policy OECD Government Responses to COVID-19 Caribbean Government Responses to COVID-19 Institutional Authority Data Collection and Sharing Containment Measures Implemented by Caribbean Governments Healthcare System Challenges Access to Vaccines Enterprise Risk Management Integrated Risk Management System Risk Financing Fit for the Future: Lessons from COVID-19 Conclusion References Part II: Navigating COVID-19: Economic Development Issues in the Caribbean Chapter 7: COVID-19 and the Caribbean: Economic Perspectives Introduction The Macroeconomic Environment at the Onset of COVID-19 Macroeconomic Impact of COVID-19 Policy Responses Reflections and Lessons Medium-term Policy Imperatives Conclusion References Chapter 8: Social Insecurity: COVID-19, Unemployment Insurance, and the Case for Reform in the Eastern Caribbean Introduction The Status Quo: Pre-Pandemic Social Security Operations Overview of Social Security Financial Sustainability Analysis: COVID-19 and the UI Response Rising Unemployment Temporary UI Implementation Grenada St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines The Case for Reform: Towards Permanent UI Conclusion References Chapter 9: Managing COVID-19 in the French Caribbean: The Case of Martinique Introduction Methodology and Limitations Martinique as a Collectivité Territoriale (CTM) Implementation of COVID-19 Protocols: Curfews, Lockdowns, Attestation, and Passe Sanitaire Socio-economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Martinique’s Economy French Government and the Collectivité Territoriale’s (CTM) Response to Businesses Martinicans’ Response to the Pandemic and Vaccination Conclusion References Chapter 10: Using Monitoring and Evaluation and Evidence-Based Data to Build a More Resilient and Sustainable Caribbean Post-COVID-19 Introduction Background and Regional Challenges Caribbean Region—Demographics Impact of COVID-19 on the Region and Measures Implemented to Endure the Shock Impediments Crippling Economic Progress in the Region Internal and External Influences That Impact Developmental Policies and the Achievement of Desired Results Challenges with Monitoring and Evaluation and Data Collection in the Region The United Nations 2030 SDGs Agenda Making the Caribbean More Resilient and Sustainable—the Strategic Road Map and Game Plan Needed for the Catalyst of Transformation Adopting a System Thinking Approach to Developmental Planning Valuing Evidence-Based Data as the Lifeblood of Strategy Formulation Exhibiting Better and Improved Governance Through Accountability and Transparency and Routinizing M&E Fostering Closer and More Regional Partnerships Improving Fiscal and Policy Space Diversification of Economies Prioritizing Food Security Incorporating the SDGs Agenda into Developmental Strategic Planning Transforming Public Sector Culture Regaining Citizen Trust to Propel Growth and Economic Development Empowering Citizens to Become More Resilient and Sustainable Defending the Region’s Interests Conclusion References Part III: Tourism and Hospitality Perspectives on COVID-19 Chapter 11: Absorb, Adapt, or Transform? An Exploratory Analysis of Small Tourism Businesses’ Resilience Strategies During the Pandemic Introduction Resilience: Towards an Understanding of the Concept Absorptive, Adaptive, and Transformative Resilience STBs’ Resilience Responses During the Pandemic Weak Resilient Responses Adaptive and Transformative Business Resilience Responses Overview of Study Contexts Method Findings and Discussion Profile of STBs in Tobago and St. Lucia STB Owners’ Reflection on Immediate Effects of the Pandemic Absorptive Resilience Responses Adaptive Resilience Responses Transformative Resilience Responses Summary Reflections References Chapter 12: “Furloughed and Frustrated But I Am Fighting”: Women Hotel Workers and the Cost and Value of COVID-19 Introduction Women’s Vulnerability and the Economy in Tobago: Historical Context A Note on Methodology Findings and Discussion Lexi James: “Furloughed and Frustrated” Michelle Trim: “Weathering the Storm” Paula Jackson: “Setback after Setback” Conclusion References Chapter 13: The Impact of Government Policies on Hotel Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Caribbean Countries Introduction Theoretical Background Resilience Theory Role of Government During Crisis COVID-19 and the Caribbean: Effects and Government Responses Tourism in the Region COVID-19 and the Caribbean Methodology Findings and Discussion Impact of COVID-19 on Hotel Performance Regression Analysis Conclusion Limitations and Future Research References Chapter 14: COVID-19: A Catalyst for E-Commerce in the Food and Beverage Service Industry in Barbados? Introduction The Global FBSI Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic E-Commerce in Barbados Methodology Results New E-Commerce Start-Ups Existing Businesses Offering Enhanced E-Commerce Services Existing Businesses Moving to Bricks-and-Clicks Model Discussion Limitations Recommendations Conclusion References Chapter 15: An Analysis of Residents’ Affinity for Tourism and Tourists During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Barbadian Experience Introduction Theoretical Framework Social Exchange Theory (SET) Integrated Threat Theory Residents’ Response to Tourism During a Pandemic An Overview of Barbados’ Tourism Industry Method Results Segmentation Analysis of Residents’ Attitudes Residents’ Attitudes Towards Reopening Borders for Tourism During the Pandemic Residents’ Attitudes on the Benefits of Reopening for Tourism Residents’ Attitudes Towards Sharing Public Spaces with Tourists Residents’ Attitudes Towards Country of Origin of Visitors Discussion Conclusion and Reflections References Part IV: Business Responses to the Pandemic Chapter 16: Key Recommendations for Managing Organisational Change Hesitancy in Caribbean Workplaces Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Conceptual Paper Introduction Understanding Resistance to Change in Its Multiple Forms Thinking About Change-Related Sentiments Using the Lens of Vaccine-Related Sentiments Moving to a Conceptual Definition of Change Hesitancy Addressing Change Hesitancy in the Caribbean Workplace: Key Insights and Recommendations for Caribbean Managers and Organisations Key Recommendations for Addressing Change Hesitancy and Promoting Workplace Trust in Organisations Final Considerations and Conclusions Appendix: A New Framework for Managing Change in Workplaces References Chapter 17: Understanding the Pandemic Transformed Consumer: What Is the New Normal? Introduction The Impact of COVID-19 on Modality of Grocery Shopping and Frequency of Shopping Trips Pandemic-Related Stockpiling and Food Wastage Changes to Culinary Habits and Food Choices Study Design Results The Impact of COVID-19 on Modality of Shopping and Frequency of Shopping Trips Pandemic-Related Stockpiling and Food Wastage Changes to Culinary Habits and Food Choices Discussion and Implications Conclusion References Chapter 18: The Impact of Fear and Loneliness on the Buyer-Seller Interface and Service Quality in the Context of COVID-19: A Caribbean Perspective Introduction Research Context and Literature Review Loneliness and Consumer Behaviour The Lonely Consumer in the COVID-19 Era Fear of COVID-19 at the Buyer-Seller Interface Methodology and Data Collection Measurement Measurement Statistics—The Loneliness Model Measurement Statistics for ‘Fear’ Scales Findings, Discussion and Managerial Implications Findings: The Loneliness Model Discussion and Managerial Implications: The Loneliness Model Findings: The Fear Model Discussion and Managerial Implications: The Fear Model Conclusions, Limitations and Future Research References Chapter 19: Too Small to See but Too Painful to Ignore: Regulatory Solutions to Sudden Stop in Cash Flow in MSMEs Caused by the COVID-19 Introduction The Nature of MSMEs and Government Intervention Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Liquidity and Capital Requirements Disclosure and Transparency Requirements Risk Tolerance Method Design Data Collection Data Analysis Technique Discussion of Thematic Analysis and Key Findings Theme 1: Understanding How Negative Changes in Cash Inflows Are Addressed Theme 2: Factors Impacting Liquidity Theme 3: Cash and Liquidity Risk Theme 4: Attitude Towards Regulatory Requirements, for example, Information Disclosure Theme 5: Government Support Conclusion and Recommendations Appendix References Chapter 20: COVID-19 and AML/CFT Regulation of the Barbados Global Business Sector Introduction The Global Business Sector in Barbados The Barbados Economy The Global Business Sector AML/CFT Regulation of the Global Business Sector The Central Bank of Barbados The FSC The IBU The FIU AML/CFT Regulation and COVID-19 Regulatory Impact and Responses Impact on Work Arrangements and Responses Impact on Regulatory and Supervisory Methods and Responses Lessons Learnt, Limitations and Conclusions References Part V: Responses to COVID-19: Public Health and Public Policy Chapter 21: Regional COVID-19 Pandemic Response in the Caribbean: Contributions of the Caribbean Public Health Agency Expert Advisory Group Introduction and Background Understanding CARPHA CARPHA’s COVID-19 Response Building Laboratory Capacity in the Caribbean During COVID-19 Paediatric Collaborative Survey Methods Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Case Identification and Risk Factor Assessment (Including Nutrition) Nutritional Data Extraction Ethical Review Data Collection and Analysis Online Networking Results Disease Burden Clinical Outcomes COVID-19 and Nutrition Summary of Collaborative Paediatric Research Translating Research to Public Health Conclusion References Chapter 22: One Hand Cannot Clap: Building Resiliency Through Collaborative—Policy Decisions in the New COVID-19 Era Introduction Objectives and Scope Methodology Regional Integration Theory Regional Integration Theory: The CARICOM Context Policy Theory Policy Theory: The CARICOM Context Building Resiliency: Collaboration and Cooperation Strengthening the Integrative Process Reducing Economic and Social Vulnerability Collaboration Beyond CARICOM’s Borders Conclusion References Chapter 23: Public Policy in a COVID-19 Era: The Cost of Self-Autonomy Introduction Objectives for This Chapter Methodology Benchmarks for Evaluation International Human Rights Standards Bioethical Standards Regional Standards Framework for Evaluating Commonwealth Caribbean Policies and Legislation Meeting the Benchmarks—The Use of Vaccination Mandates in the Caribbean Identification of the Problem: The Seriousness of the Danger Formulation and Implementation—Necessity, Legality, and Proportionality of Vaccination Mandates Necessity and Proportionality of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Evaluation Recommendations Conclusion References Chapter 24: COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Uptake in the Caribbean: A Cross-Country Intersectional Perspective Introduction Vaccine Uptake: A Review Theoretical Framework: Advancing Intersectional Assessments of Uptake Methodology: Comparative Case Study Findings and Discussion Vaccine Distribution Vaccine Hesitancy Discussion Conclusion References Chapter 25: Afterword: Re-imagining Caribbean Futures Post-COVID-19 Strengthening Our Health Care Systems and Climate Action Responses Against Existing and Future Threats Addressing the Growing Gender Inequalities and Other Sociological Risks and Vulnerabilities Resolving the Socio-Psychological Tensions and Trauma of Crises Bolstering Pandemic Resilience Through Diversification and Modernisation of Tourism, Business, and Educational Sectors in the Region Enhancing the State and Quality of Governance for Better Policymaking and Action References Index