The level of risk for COVID-19 has been an added consideration given the potential impact on the ability to travel and/or obtain a study permit/visa.
Barbados is down one point on the index due to anticipated low growth levels as a result of the losses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic compounded by the current IMF program to fix fiscal imbalances and unsustainable debt levels.
Guyana is up one point on the index due to increased revenues from the sale of its crude oil in Early 2020. However, with the recent political instability as a result of the impasse from the recently held elections in early March, the absence of consensus on the election results will create challenges and safety concerns. These matters are further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to spread across the country.
Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia and Grenada also down one point each on the index due to the socio-economic climate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The heavily tourist dependent countries have sustained significant losses to the tourism industry.
Saint Kitts and Nevis the latest addition to the Index measures at 16. Similar to the other country markets, COVID-19 will present some challenges given the negative economic outlook forecasted for the tourism dependent country. However, it is anticipated that the economy will rebound given the country’s Edu-Tourism and Investment by Citizenship programs.
