Country Context

The Eastern Caribbean consists of a range of island states ranging in size the largest of which are Trinidad and Tobago.  Huge socioeconomic disparities exist between neighbouring countries, and this along with the establishment of the single common market economy, have propagated the migration of the less fortunate to seek better economic opportunities within the region.

Factors that contribute to the Caribbean’s economic vulnerability include small open economies, narrow export and economic bases, heavy reliance on trade taxes, natural disasters, HIV and AIDS and rising drug related crime.