People, Governance and State Capacity

Population growth in SIDS is slowing and, in some cases, populations are declining through migration. Urbanisation is continuing with most national populations now urban and all outer islands exhibiting population decline. Unemployment and poverty are visible urban problems, especially where informal settlements have developed, but social protection has remedied some welfare problems. Governance exhibits urban bias and regional development is weak. Political parties are rigid in the Caribbean but transient in the Pacific, where ‘big man’ politics prevails. Women have had a limited presence in politics, especially in Pacific SIDS. Politics is formally democratic with regular elections. Corruption in some SIDS is limited, but its increase, alongside crime, threatens national sovereignty. Social inclusion is weak for women, the disabled, youth (despite the ‘youth bulge’ in the population structure) and the gender diverse. Civil society and churches play a role in supporting local livelihoods.