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LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

A daily publication Of the dialogue

July 26, 2024

How Severe Are Food Shortages in the Caribbean?

Hurricane Beryl destroyed millions of dollars in crops in the Caribbean. Hurricane damage from Beryl in Jamaica is pictured. // Photo: Jamaican Government.

Q

  • Hurricane Beryl, which tore through the Caribbean and Mexico in early July before striking the United States, is estimated to have destroyed millions of dollars worth of crops and supporting infrastructure in Jamaica, likely contributing to a nationwide food shortage, according to the country’s agriculture minister. Initial assessments indicate that the supply of key food groups, such as yam, cassava, breadfruit, mangoes and bananas, as well as livestock and fishing, were all significantly depleted. How seriously could a food shortage hurt Jamaica, as well as other Caribbean nations that were hit by Beryl? How long could food shortages persist? What is Jamaica’s government doing to help alleviate the food shortages, and what can other countries similarly affected by hurricanes do to prevent food shortages in the future?

A

Devry Boughner Vorwerk, founder and CEO of DevryBV Sustainable Strategies: “Hurricane Beryl took its fury out not only on the current crop and fishing cycle in Jamaica but also affected the long-term food production prospects for local seafood, livestock and domestic crops that supply residents and tourists to the island. Some crops can be replanted, yet others, such as plantains and mangoes, require longer-term strategies to recoup yields. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) swiftly responded in the aftermath of the storm by conducting rapid impact assessments using drones and satellite remote sensing. It has committed its staff to supporting the recovery of the sector, which is a sign of good disaster management and pre-planning. The immediate challenge is…”

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The Inter-American Dialogue publishes the Latin America Advisor every business day for a distinguished membership of informed corporate leaders, scholars, and government officials invested in Latin America’s development and future. The Advisor‘s highly regarded Q&A section covers questions submitted by subscribers themselves. Commentators regularly include heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, economists, analysts, and thought leaders from around the world. Many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing companies subscribe to the Advisor. To subscribe, click here. For terms and conditions, click here. For more information, contact Gene Kuleta, editor of the Advisor, at gkuleta@thedialogue.org.
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board of advisors

Diego Arria
Director,
Columbus Group

Merike Blofield
Professor of Political Science,
University of Hamburg

Devry Boughner Vorwerk
CEO,
DevryBV Sustainable Strategies

Joyce Chang
Global Head of Research,
J.P. Morgan

Marlene Fernández
Corporate Vice President for Gov’t Relations,
Arcos Dorados (McDonald’s)

Peter Hakim
President Emeritus,
Inter-American Dialogue

Donna Hrinak
Director,
Adtalem Global Education

Jon E. Huenemann
Council Member,
GLG Inc.

James R. Jones
Chairman,
Monarch Global Strategies

Craig Kelly
Senior Director,
Int’l Gov’t Relations,
Exxon Mobil

Barbara Kotschwar
Professor of Political Economy,
Georgetown University

John Maisto
Director,
US Education Finance Group

Nicolas Mariscal
Chairman,
Grupo Marhnos

Thomas F. McLarty III
Chairman,
McLarty Associates

Beatrice Rangel
Director,
AMLA Consulting

Ernesto Revilla
Head of Latin American Economics, Citi

Gustavo Roosen
President,
IESA

Andrés Rozental
President, Rozental &
Asociados

Shelly Shetty
Managing Director,
Sovereigns, Fitch

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