THREE ESSAYS ON THE PROPOSED CARIBBEAN MONETARY UNION

Abstract

This thesis asks the question, is there economic justification for two CARICOM countries forming a currency union? There is a theoretical component consisting of a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, and an empirical component utilizing vector autoregressions and cointegration analyses. More specifically, the reactions of two, small, open economies, to symmetric and asymmetric shocks, with and without a currency union, are investigated. Secondly, the demand and supply shocks between country pairs are examined to determine whether positive correlations exist. Thirdly, the thesis looks at the issue of economic convergence, especially given the coordinated efforts of CARICOM member states towards an environment conducive for a currency union. The theoretical results support the traditional view that countries with symmetric shocks are better candidates for a currency union, while those with asymmetric shocks are not. The empirical work supports the formation of currency unions for the following country pairs, Grenada-St. Kitts, Grenada-St. Vincent, Trinidad-Grenada, and Trinidad-St. Vincent.