01815cas a2200241 a 4500 AALejournalIMF014221 230101c9999 xx r poo 0 0eng d 5.00 USD 9781475557077 1934-7685 BD-DhAAL BD-DhAAL International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept. Barbados : Staff Report for 2013 Article IV Consultation. Washington, D.C. : International Monetary Fund, 2014. 1 online resource (82 pages) IMF Staff Country Reports <strong>Off-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required <strong>On-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required Electronic access restricted to authorized BRAC University faculty, staff and students This 2013 Article IV consultation highlights Barbados' weak economic performance and high public debt. Foreign reserves are under pressure as fiscal and external imbalances widened in 2012 and further in 2013. Recognizing the need for urgent action, the authorities announced ambitious budget consolidation proposals in 2013 aimed at strengthening the fiscal position and arresting the slide in reserves. Recent fiscal measures, if fully implemented, should stabilize debt levels by 2016. However, downside risks are considerable, and failure to implement corrective policies could result in a disorderly adjustment process. Even with full implementation, fiscal financing pressures and external sector sustainability would remain challenging. Mode of access: Internet IMF Staff Country Reports; Country Report ; No. 2014/052 Full text available on IMF http://elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2014/052/002.2014.issue-052-en.xml IMF e-Library