This discussion paper explores critically high levels of public debt and debt service across many small island developing states. It asks to what extent debt may be hampering progress towards poverty reduction and the MDGs and puts forward a series of policy measures to support SIDS reduce their public debt burdens.
Report: Jamaica’s Debt Exchange: A case study for heavily indebted middle-income countries
This Discussion Paper examines the Jamaica Debt Exchange Programme, and asks whether the initiative will help release additional funds for poverty reduction and restore debt sustainability to the island. The debt exchange will release over US$500 million in extra resources in 2010 but the government’s debt position remains fragile.