Eastern Caribbean

The Peace Corps currently operates in the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and Carriacou, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The countries of the Eastern Caribbean face special development challenges because of their small size and vulnerability to natural disasters. They are poised on the edge of technological innovation, yet hampered by a limited economy subject to any changes in the global economy. One such example is the island of Dominica. In 2005, it reported a 60 percent drop in exports, while remaining in the top third of the United Nations Development Index. Despite these complexities, there remains a natural beauty formed from the many rugged mountains, extensive rain forests, dynamic volcanoes, and lush vegetation found throughout the islands.

The islands are confronted with increased unemployment, growing drug trafficking, and periodic natural disasters such as hurricanes and volcanoes. Opportunities for youth are particularly limited. Economically, the Eastern Caribbean nations are sustained primarily by single cash crops or tourism. There is growth among communication and technology sectors in some areas.

Peace Corps programs focus primarily on providing job skills training and health services to youth. In collaboration with government ministries and nongovernmental organizations, Peace Corps /Eastern Caribbean has integrated the following into its integrated community development program: information technology, disaster preparedness and mitigation, and HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

Last updated Sep 27 2008