Caribbean Economist Dr Collin Constantine says it is unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected income inequality in Barbados and other regional economies.
He added it could be a while before people in this part of the world get a true grasp of such an outcome.
His perspective comes as new research from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) found that while rising income inequality has emerged as a major issue facing policymakers, there is a dearth of empirical work on inequality in small states, including the Caribbean.
The IMF team, led by deputy division chief Arnold McIntyre, a Grenadian, concluded that “well targeted social sector spending aimed at improving education and health indicators will support increased redistribution and reduce income inequality”. (SC)
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