Peace Corps Programs in the Eastern Caribbean
The Peace Corps currently operates in the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and Carriacou, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 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 which reported a 60 percent drop in exports last year, 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 rainforests, dynamic volcanoes and lush vegetation found throughout the islands.
The islands are confronted with increased unemployment, a growing presence of 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, with growth among communication and technology sectors in some areas.
Peace Corps programs are focused primarily on providing job skills training and health services to youths. In collaboration with government ministries and non-governmental organizations, Peace Corps/Eastern Caribbean has also integrated within its youth program, information technology, disaster preparedness and mitigation, and HIV/AIDS education and prevention.
